Unlock tacit knowledge and build shared understanding through hands-on 3D model building and storytelling.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is a hands-on workshop method where participants build 3D models with LEGO bricks to explore ideas and solve complex problems.
LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) is a facilitated workshop methodology that uses LEGO bricks as a medium for exploring complex ideas, solving problems, and building shared understanding among teams. Participants construct physical 3D models that represent their thoughts, perspectives, and proposed solutions, then explain their creations through guided storytelling. The hands-on building process engages different cognitive pathways than traditional discussion, helping participants externalize tacit knowledge that is difficult to articulate through words alone. UX researchers, product managers, organizational leaders, and design teams use LSP when they need to tackle abstract strategic challenges, surface hidden assumptions, or ensure every voice in a room is heard equally. The method is particularly effective at bypassing verbal dominance and power dynamics that often plague traditional meetings. By requiring everyone to build and share, LSP creates a level playing field where introverts and junior team members contribute as meaningfully as senior leaders. Whether applied to strategic planning, team alignment, or innovation workshops, LSP delivers insights that emerge from the intersection of play, metaphor, and collective intelligence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After a successful LEGO SERIOUS PLAY session, the team will have externalized tacit knowledge into tangible 3D models that represent individual and collective perspectives on the challenge at hand. Participants will have developed a shared understanding of the problem space, surfaced hidden assumptions, and identified areas of alignment and disagreement. The group model will serve as a physical reference point that captures the team's collective intelligence. Teams typically leave with a prioritized set of insights, documented through photographs and facilitator notes, along with a concrete action plan. The session also strengthens interpersonal connections and creates a sense of ownership among participants, as every person's contribution is visibly incorporated into the final model.
Be prepared to learn more about each other in one hour of play than in several hours of consultation.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® has strict rules, but its elements can be used in any workshop - building sets are great tools for prototyping.
For those who want to use the method properly, LEGO company provides training for facilitators.
Start with simple builds to get hands moving before tackling complex questions.
Emphasize that models represent concepts metaphorically - there are no wrong builds.
Use open-ended questions that require reflection, not yes/no answers.
Photograph models with name labels to capture insights and enable later reference.
Allow adequate time - rushing undermines the reflective process that makes LSP powerful.
Jumping straight into complex questions without warm-up builds leaves participants uncomfortable and self-conscious. Always start with simple, low-stakes building challenges to get hands moving and lower inhibitions.
When facilitators rush model explanations, the deep reflective dialogue that makes LSP valuable never develops. Allocate generous time for each participant to share and for the group to ask questions.
Commenting on the aesthetic quality of models makes participants self-conscious and defeats the purpose. Emphasize repeatedly that models are metaphorical representations and there are no wrong builds.
Yes/no or overly narrow questions limit the depth of exploration. Frame building challenges with open-ended prompts that invite reflection and personal interpretation.
LEGO models are temporary artifacts that get dismantled after the session. Photograph every model with labels and capture key quotes to preserve insights for future reference.
Detailed schedule outlining activities, timing, and goals for the session.
Comprehensive instructions for leading the LSP workshop effectively.
LEGO bricks, building plates, and supplies needed for activities.
Creative collaborative exercises using LEGO SERIOUS PLAY methodology.
Tailored scenarios for applying LSP to real-life challenges.
Guidelines for post-activity discussion and insight sharing.
Surveys to collect feedback on the workshop experience and outcomes.
Analysis of participant feedback with recommendations for future sessions.
Photos or videos of models and workshop progress for later reference.
Steps to maintain momentum and apply workshop insights in practice.