Participatory Methods
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® gives teams a repeatable qualitative research practice. It keeps everyone aligned around generate ideas by helping you improve teamwork, problem-solving, and prototype designs. Grounded in participatory methods, the method turns insight into tangible next steps.
Goal
Generate Ideas
Group
Qualitative Research
Users
Direct User Involvement
Overview
Lego Serious Play is a facilitated methodology that uses LEGO bricks to enhance creativity, communication, and problem-solving. By building models, participants can express complex ideas, explore scenarios, and collaborate in a playful and hands-on way. Lego Serious Play is used in team building, strategic planning, innovation workshops, and organizational development, where engaging multiple senses and fostering a creative environment leads to deeper insights and shared understanding.
Step-by-Step Procedure
9 steps to complete
1
Introduction to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Begin by introducing the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method to participants. Explain the purpose of the activity and provide an overview of the process. This will help set the stage for the participants and ensure everyone is on the same page.
2
Warm-Up Exercises
Conduct initial warm-up exercises using LEGO® bricks. These exercises are designed to familiarize participants with the hands-on, minds-on approach of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. Set simple building challenges as a way to engage the participants and encourage open communication and creativity.
3
Define the Problem or Challenge
Present the problem or challenge that the group will be addressing during the session. This is a crucial step, as it focuses the participants on the central topic they will be exploring throughout the workshop.
4
Individual Model Building
Ask participants to build individual LEGO® models representing their thoughts or solutions related to the problem or challenge. Encourage them to use metaphors and storytelling to bring their models to life. This process allows participants to externalize their ideas and contribute their unique perspectives.
5
Sharing and Reflection
Invite participants to share their individual models with the group. This includes a brief explanation of their model, the thought process behind it, and its connection to the problem or challenge. Encourage active listening, asking questions, and reflection during this stage to deepen understanding and create a supportive environment.
6
Group Model Building
Direct the participants to collaboratively create a shared LEGO® model by combining and building upon their individual models. This step fosters team synergy, shared understanding, and co-creation while addressing complex issues. It is essential to give participants ownership of the group model by ensuring everyone's input is incorporated.
7
Evaluate and Refine
As a group, assess the shared model in the context of the problem or challenge. Ask participants to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback to ensure insights are well-rounded and reflective of the group's collective wisdom.
8
Action Planning and Next Steps
After analyzing the shared model, discuss actionable steps the group can take to address the problem or challenge. Assign responsibilities and deadlines to ensure follow-through. This step is crucial in translating the insights gained from the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session into real-world actions.
9
Wrap-Up and Debrief
Conclude the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop by summarizing key insights, learnings, and actions from the session. Encourage participants to reflect on their experience and share feedback. Ensure all participants feel acknowledged for their contributions and emphasize the importance of the group's collaborative efforts.
Method Complete
Real-World Examples
See how this method is applied in practice
Deal Search Relevance Issues
Investigation into why Groupon users report difficulty finding relevant deals in their area. The research examined search behavior, filtering usage, and result satisfaction across different categories. Analysis revealed that location detection was sometimes inaccurate and that category filters didn't align with how users conceptualized their needs (e.g., searching for "date night" vs. "restaurants").
Merchant Dashboard Adoption Problem
Research into why merchants weren't regularly using the Merchant Center analytics dashboard despite having access. The study uncovered that merchants found the metrics overwhelming and didn't understand how to act on the data. Root causes included lack of benchmarking context, unclear metric definitions, and missing actionable recommendations.
Deliverables
What you'll produce from this method
Workshop Agenda
A detailed plan outlining the schedule, activities, and goals of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop.
Facilitator Guide
A comprehensive document instructing the facilitator on how to effectively lead the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop, including tips, techniques, and best practices.
Participant Materials
All the necessary materials, such as LEGO® bricks, building plates, and any other tools or supplies needed for participants to engage in the workshop activities.
Team Building Exercises
A list of creative exercises and activities designed to help participants collaborate, communicate, and connect with each other through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Scenarios
Tailored scenarios related to the workshop's objectives, allowing participants to apply LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® techniques in addressing real-life challenges and decision-making situations.
Reflection and Debriefing
Guidelines for post-activity discussions and reflection, enabling participants to share their insights, learnings, and strategies for making meaning and interpreting their LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® creations.
Participant Feedback Forms
Tailored surveys or questionnaires designed to collect feedback from workshop participants about their experience with the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology and its impact on their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Workshop Evaluation Report
A summary and analysis of participant feedback and the workshop's outcomes, including recommendations for future LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshops and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Visual Documentation
Photographic or video documentation of the workshop's progress and participants' LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® creations, which can be used for later analysis, reflection, and sharing with a broader audience.
Follow-Up Plan
A plan outlining the steps needed to maintain momentum, reinforce learnings, and apply the insights from the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop to real-life situations and challenges on an ongoing basis.
Related
Explore Similar Methods
Discover research techniques that complement LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and enhance your UX toolkit.
