Why I love using LEGO® SeriousPlay®…

What do a hospital, LEGO bricks and genuine innovation have in common? Quite a lot - if you are prepared to leave the beaten track. In this article, I'll show you why I like using LEGO® SeriousPlay® (LSP) so much, how this creative, scientifically based method can even revolutionize the structure of an emergency room and why it also works wonders in companies, teams and workshops.

Not too long ago, the Hamburger Abendblatt once again reported that "Hamburg’s LEGO emergency room" (original quote) had received another award. No, this is not about an ER in the Miniatur Wunderland or LEGOLAND (also located in Hamburg), but about the new emergency center at the Marienkrankenhaus hospital in Hamburg—which is quite different from most emergency rooms in Germany.

So, what makes it so special?

The chief physician of this emergency center happened to come across a groundbreaking method called LEGO® SeriousPlay® (LSP)—almost by chance—and was bold enough to use it to co-design the new ER with everyone involved in the process.

And by everyone, I really mean everyone. Every stakeholder was brought to the table and, using LSP, they collaboratively designed the model of an ideal emergency room, which was then built accordingly—and it became a resounding success.

I would’ve loved to facilitate those workshops myself! 😊

But what made it such a success?

To understand that, let’s take a closer look at LEGO® SeriousPlay®:

The LEGO® SeriousPlay® (LSP) method is a facilitated, creative workshop format where participants use LEGO bricks to visually and tangibly model ideas, challenges, and solutions. By building 3D metaphors, complex topics become more understandable, multiple perspectives emerge, and innovative solutions are uncovered.

The method is based on active, equal participation. Every participant builds and explains their thoughts using the models. This fosters open communication, deep reflection, and lasting collaboration.

In the case of the hospital, everyone from cleaning staff to nurses, emergency doctors, and paramedics worked on an equal footing to co-create the ideal emergency department model—and it paid off. The method essentially "forces" you to listen to each other and integrate others' ideas. After all, every gear needs to mesh perfectly, regardless of hierarchy—this applies to all teams and groups working toward a common goal.

Where science meets creativity – the foundation of LSP

LEGO® SeriousPlay® is a scientifically grounded method originally developed by LEGO in collaboration with researchers at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne. It’s based on the idea that the hands are directly connected to the brain, and that working with LEGO bricks can help visualize, analyze, and discuss complex thoughts.

The principle is simple: you build to think. Instead of talking endlessly about problems, participants use LEGO to build 3D models representing their ideas or solutions. These models are then shared and reflected upon within the group. This process often leads to new perspectives and innovative solutions.

The method follows a structured process, facilitated by a certified LEGO® SeriousPlay® facilitator.

How LEGO bricks become tangible solutions

After a warm-up phase called "skill-building"—which introduces participants to the method—the facilitator asks an open question related to the workshop’s central topic (e.g., "What does our ideal team collaboration look like?", "How can we thrive in a volatile market?", or "What would the ideal emergency room look like?").

Each participant then builds an individual model with LEGO bricks representing their personal view or solution. There are no wrong models—every idea is valid.

Afterward, participants present and explain their models. Telling their stories through the models encourages deep reflection and mutual understanding. Everyone gets a turn, and everyone has an equal voice.

Next comes the reflection phase: the group analyzes the models, identifies common themes, challenges, and opportunities, and works together to develop new ideas and solutions. This process leads to the creation of a shared model.

This iterative cycle of building, presenting, and reflecting is repeated as needed to generate deeper insights.

The workshop culminates in a large LEGO model that clearly and tangibly represents the workshop’s outcome. This model becomes a reference point for future decisions, action plans, and implementation. When questions arise later, you can look at the model (or its photo or video) and immediately remember what was developed. It easily outshines any PowerPoint presentation 😊.

Easy to start – big impact

The method can be used in a wide variety of contexts—not just for emergency rooms—including:

• Team development: Building trust, communication, and collaboration
• Strategy and innovation: Creating new business ideas or concepts
• Conflict resolution: Visualizing tensions and co-creating solutions
• Organizational development: Defining visions, values, and long-term goals
• Leadership and change management: Supporting transformation processes

While full LSP workshops usually last a full day, the method also works well in smaller formats by enhancing existing tools and methods. I’ve had great success, for example, combining LSP with SWOT or trend analysis—these mini-workshops often take just one to two hours and still deliver amazing results.

LSP elements also work wonderfully as a warm-up or icebreaker for larger workshops.

And the best part? The method is easy to learn and apply. I’m happy to bring my LSP materials to you and run a small or large LSP workshop together. If you’re just curious to explore the method, I recommend joining one of my one-day introductory workshops.

I hope this little introduction has sparked some curiosity about LEGO® SeriousPlay®.

If you have questions, I’m happy to help or simply book a seat at one of the introduction LSP workshops.

Picture of Peter Schnell © Christian Augustin / IT-Tage
Picture LEGO® SeriousPlay® by Peter Schnell