# Tools Visual Retro

> Facilitate retrospectives and experiment readouts using ASCII grids, timelines, and heatmaps for rapid comprehension.

- Skill: `tjboudreaux/tools-visual-retro` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tjboudreaux/tools-visual-retro`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tjboudreaux/tools-visual-retro/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tjboudreaux (https://skillmd.com/u/tjboudreaux)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tjboudreaux/tools-visual-retro

---


# Visual Retro Templates

## Intent
- Make retrospective insights digestible for visual learners without slideware.
- Standardize text-based templates for PRs, issues, or shared docs.

## Inputs
1. Retro categories (Went Well, Risks, Next Bets, Metrics).
2. Key quantitative results and qualitative highlights.
3. Owners + follow-up items.

## Workflow
1. **Pick template**
   - Grid:
     ```
     +------------+------------------+
     | Went Well  | Needs Attention  |
     +------------+------------------+
     | ...        | ...              |
     ```
   - Timeline w/ milestones.
   - Heatmap: use `[]` intensity markers (`[++]`, `[+]`, `[~]`, `[!]`).
2. **Populate data**
   - Keep bullet lines short; include metric deltas (`+12% DAU`).
   - Tag owners `(@name)` next to action items.
3. **Embed artifacts**
   - Link to logs, dashboards, or experiment IDs inline.
4. **Distribute**
   - Paste into PR descriptions, GitHub Discussions, or Slack posts.
   - Optionally store canonical version under `.factory/retros/<date>.txt`.
5. **Iterate**
   - Add “Next Checkpoint” section to set evaluation date.

## Verification
- Template fits within 80 characters width; column headers aligned.
- Each action item shows owner + due date.
- Retro artifact linked in change summary or issue comment.