Introduction to LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP)

What is LEGO^® Serious Play^® (LSP)?

The LEGO^® Serious Play^® (LSP) method is a moderated, creative workshop approach in which participants use LEGO bricks to visually and haptically model ideas, challenges and solutions. By building three-dimensional metaphors, complex topics can be made more understandable, different perspectives can be visualised and new solutions can be developed. The method is based on active, equal participation, so that each participant expresses and explains their thoughts through the model. This promotes open communication, in-depth reflection and sustainable collaboration. 

Scientific Basis of the Method

LEGO^® Serious Play^® is a scientifically based method that was originally developed by LEGO in co-operation with scientists from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne. It is based on the idea that the hands are directly connected to the brain and that complex thoughts can be visualised, analysed and discussed by working haptically with LEGO bricks.

The Principle: Construction instead of Long Discussions

The principle is simple: build to think. Instead of talking at length about problems, participants use LEGO bricks to create three-dimensional models of their thoughts, ideas or possible solutions. These models are then presented and discussed as a team. This creates new perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.
The method follows a clear process guided by a trained facilitator, the LEGO^® SeriousPlay^® Facilitator.

The Process of a LEGO^® Serious Play^® Workshop

1. After an introductory phase, the so-called ‘skill-building’, in which the participants are introduced to the method, the facilitator asks an open question on a specific topic (e.g. ‘What does our ideal teamwork look like?’ or ‘What challenges do we need to solve?’), which is the basis for this LSP workshop.
2. Each participant then creates an individual model with LEGO bricks that symbolises their personal perspective or solution idea. There are no wrong models - every expression is valid.
3. The participants then present their models individually and explain their meaning. Sharing their own thoughts based on the model promotes deep reflection and a better understanding within the group.
4. The presentation of the models is followed by the reflection phase, where the group analyses the individual models, identifies common patterns, challenges or opportunities and develops new ideas and solutions.

This iterative process of building, visualising and reflecting is repeated several times if necessary in order to gain ever deeper insights.

Possible uses of LEGO^® Serious Play^®

• Team development
• Promoting trust, communication and cooperation
• Strategy and innovation processes
• Development of new business ideas or concepts
• Conflict resolution
• Visualisation of tensions and development of joint solutions
• Organisational development
• Definition of visions, values and long-term goals
• Management and Change Management
• Support for change processes

Especially in times of hybrid work or distributed teams, LSP can help to create a common mindset and team identity.

The workshop provides an intensive introduction to the method, explains the background and enables participants to experience a complete LEGO^® Serious Play^® process for themselves. For this purpose, the participants jointly select a suitable topic from their working environment to be worked on using the LSP method; in the case of an in-house workshop, the topic is determined in advance with the client.

The result of the workshop is documented in a photo protocol, which is made available to the participants.