Playformative

The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methodology  

What is the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Method?

LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) is a fun, hands-on way to boost teamwork and creativity. It was developed by LEGO® in the 1990s to help teams think deeply and solve problems by building models with LEGO bricks. The method is now open-source under a Creative Commons license, allowing trained facilitators around the world to use and adapt it freely.

This isn’t about playing with toys; it’s about tapping into deeper thinking through storytelling, metaphors, and visual problem-solving.

How Does the LSP Method Work?

Challenge Question

Build A Model

Share It's Story

Reflect on Your Build

LSP follows a structured, research-based process led by a certified facilitator. It usually includes four steps:

    • Challenge: A thoughtful question is asked to guide the group’s thinking.
    • Build: Each person builds a model with LEGO bricks to show their thoughts or ideas.
    • Share: Everyone explains their model and the meaning behind it.
    • Reflect: The group talks about what they’ve learned and how it connects to real-life goals. A typical LSP session lasts around two and a half hours, but even a one-hour session can lead to powerful insights with just one thoughtful question.

For example, asking “How can we better support each other in our daily tasks?” helps team members explore teamwork and collaboration in a new way.

Participants build models and share stories, which helps:

    • Identify where more support is needed
    • Recognize what’s working well
    • Inspire new strategies for better productivity
    • Spark curiosity and interest in future sessions

Key Rules of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY

    • Everyone Builds and Shares: Every person makes a model and shares the story behind it so all voices are heard and no one is left out.
    • Focus on the Model, Not the Person: We talk about what was built, not who built it, so people feel safe sharing their ideas.
    • No Right or Wrong Answers: Every model is unique. There’s no “perfect” way to build your thoughts.
    • Use Metaphors and Stories: You’ll use stories and metaphors to explain your model in a way others can understand.
    • Respect and Listen to Each Other: Everyone’s model is important. We take turns and listen with care.
    • Revise Your Model as You Go: As you think and listen, your ideas may change, and that’s okay. You can update your model anytime.
    • Keep Things Private: What’s said in the session stays in the session to build trust and honesty.
    • Stay on Track with Time: We keep time limits to make sure everyone has a chance to speak and share

Why LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Works
  • In LSP, everyone gets a voice because each person builds and shares their model, making sure all ideas are heard and valued.
  • It creates a safe space to share by focusing on the model (not the person) so people feel more comfortable speaking up.
  • It helps make big ideas easier to understand by turning thoughts into physical models you can see and talk about.
  • It boosts energy and motivation because using your hands to build is fun and keeps everyone engaged, even in virtual settings.
  • It’s trusted by teams around the world including Google, NASA, Walmart, and IKEA, because it works in most industries, schools, nonprofits, and government groups.

The Science Behind the Method

Theory Originator Concept
Constructivism Jean Piaget We understand things better when we do something with our hands. Building with LEGO helps us figure out our thoughts by making something real.
Social Constructivism Lev Vygotsky We understand things better when we share ideas and learn from each other. Talking about our LEGO models helps everyone see different points of view and build new ideas as a group.
Constructionism Seymour Papert We remember things better when we create something, like a model or a story. Making a LEGO model helps us show our ideas in a way others can see and understand.
Embodied Cognition George Lakoff & Mark Johnson Our hands are connected to our brain. When we build with LEGO, it helps our brain come up with ideas we might not think of by just talking.
Flow Theory Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi When we’re really into something fun and challenging (like building with LEGO), we forget about time and focus deeply. This helps us come up with better ideas and feel proud of our work.
Narrative Psychology Theodore R. Sarbin We make sense of our lives by turning our thoughts and experiences into stories. Sharing stories about our LEGO models helps us understand ourselves better and connect more deeply with others.
Neuroscience of Play Jaak Panksepp When we play, our brains feel safe, curious, and open to new ideas. Using LEGO in a fun way helps us solve problems, be creative, and connect with others more easily.

What LSP Can Help With

  • LSP helps strengthen communication by giving everyone space to speak and listen, leading to clearer conversations and better teamwork.
  • It builds leadership skills by helping people step up, share ideas, and guide others through storytelling.
  • It supports new ideas by encouraging creative thinking and helping people look at challenges from different angles.
  • It helps teams set goals together by discovering what matters most to each person and aligning priorities.
  • It helps solve conflicts in a healthy way by focusing on models (not the person) to uncover issues and find solutions.
  • It helps teams work better together by showing what’s working, what’s not, and how to make things better.

Who Can Benefit from the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Method

This method works well for many types of groups:

  • Entrepreneurs, Startups & Marketers: To clarify goals, develop strategies, or spark innovation
  • Teams: For strategic planning, team-building, or solving problems together
  • Nonprofits: To align on mission, vision, or create community strategies
  • Educational Institutions: To encourage creativity and collaboration in the classroom
  • Event Planners: To design more meaningful, engaging experiences through creative group input
  • Families: To improve communication and work through challenges or transitions
  • Couples: To explore goals and deepen connection through shared creativity
  • Friend Groups: To build deeper bonds, celebrate milestones, or navigate life changes

Workshops can be customized for virtual or in-person formats and combined with other services like marketing strategy or leadership development. Pricing varies based on group size, format, and goals.

Benefits for Your Organization

    • LSP improves problem-solving and decision-making by helping teams think with their hands and find clear solutions.
    • It strengthens communication and builds empathy by encouraging people to share stories and listen with curiosity.
    • It increases engagement and motivation by making the process interactive, fun, and meaningful.
    • It encourages creativity and innovation by giving people permission to explore new ideas.
    • It helps align teams with shared goals by turning vague ideas into clear, shared plans.
    • It adapts to your team’s specific needs, goals, and challenges.

LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Frequently Asked Questions

Who It’s For

Is this really for adults? Isn’t LEGO for kids?

Yes, it’s for adults. LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is based on neuroscience, psychology, and business strategy. It’s trusted by organizations like Google and NASA because it helps professionals think more deeply, communicate more clearly, and solve complex problems creatively.

What types of problems can LEGO SERIOUS PLAY help solve?

LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshops help tackle complex challenges like team misalignment, unclear goals, communication breakdowns, and creative blocks. Whether you’re planning a strategy, managing a transition, or fostering team connection, LSP helps surface ideas and insights you might otherwise miss.

Who benefits from using the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY method?

LSP works for individuals, entrepreneurs, startup teams, leadership groups, nonprofits, educators, families, and peer groups. It’s not just for corporate teams—it supports personal development, relationship building, and creative collaboration.

The Process

How does LEGO SERIOUS PLAY work?

Each session follows a structured process: a thoughtful challenge is presented, participants build a model in response, share the story behind their build, and reflect as a group. This approach leads to deeper understanding, stronger connections, and more innovative thinking.

How long does a typical session last?

Sessions can range from 60 minutes to a full day, depending on your goals. A standard LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshop is 2–3 hours and includes multiple builds with time for sharing and reflection.

What happens if I feel nervous or unsure about building with LEGO bricks?

That’s totally normal and expected. Many people feel hesitant at first, but the method is designed to ease you in. Most participants are surprised at how quickly they become comfortable and engaged, even if they haven’t touched LEGO in years or ever at all.

How do you handle people who are shy or reluctant to speak up at workshops?

The process is designed for psychological safety. Because everyone builds and shares through their model, not personal opinion, it’s easier for people to express themselves. The focus is on the model, not the person, which reduces pressure and opens up participation.

Do participants need to like LEGO to benefit from this?

Not at all. The LEGO bricks are just tools for expressing your thoughts visually. You don’t need any prior experience, and it’s not about being “good” at building. It’s about the meaning behind what you build.

Formats & Use Cases

Is LEGO SERIOUS PLAY only for team-building?

No, while it’s often used for team building workshops, the methodology supports a wide range of goals including leadership development, innovation, conflict resolution, brand storytelling, and personal growth.

What makes this different from other team-building activities?

LSP isn’t just fun, it’s functional. Instead of icebreakers or games, this method uses structured storytelling and metaphor to help groups gain real insight. It’s inclusive, productive, and leads to meaningful outcomes.

Can this be used in virtual workshops?

Yes! Virtual LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is highly effective. Participants receive kits in advance, and the facilitator guides the experience through Zoom or your preferred platform. It’s still hands-on, interactive, and just as insightful.

Research & ROI

Is LEGO SERIOUS PLAY evidence-based?

Yes. The method is grounded in research from psychology, learning theory, and neuroscience, including constructivism, embodied cognition, and narrative psychology. It’s a proven way to deepen thinking and communication.

How do I know this is worth the investment?

The ROI comes from deeper engagement, clearer insights, and lasting change. Teams walk away more aligned. Individuals leave with breakthroughs. The combination of play and strategy creates value you can see and feel immediately.

What industries use LEGO SERIOUS PLAY?

LSP is used across a wide range of industries including tech, healthcare, education, finance, retail, government, and nonprofits. It’s trusted by companies like Google, NASA, IKEA, and schools worldwide for strategic planning, team development, and innovation.

Whether you’re a leader, teacher, business owner, or just someone looking for a new way to solve problems, Playformative can create a workshop using the LSP method to help you see things more clearly and take action with confidence.

Contact us today to get started by completing the form below.