Lego Serious Play
A facilitation methodology developed by LEGO Group and academics. Participants build 3D LEGO models in response to questions about strategy, identity, systems, or challenges, then use their models as metaphors to explain their thinking. The physical building process bypasses verbal defences, engages the whole brain, and surfaces tacit knowledge that words alone cannot convey.
How to run it
- 1
Warm up with a 'skills building' exercise: ask participants to build a tower, then a duck, then something that represents their commute to work. Each build takes 2–3 minutes followed by sharing.
- 2
Move to core questions: start with individual identity builds ('Build what your contribution to this team looks like'), progress to shared models ('Build our team's biggest challenge').
- 3
After each build, every participant shares their model. The builder speaks first — no one interprets another person's model without permission.
- 4
Move to system builds: connect individual models into a shared landscape.
- 5
Use the landscape to explore strategic questions, test scenarios, or identify leverage points.
- 6
Extract key insights and document commitments.
Tips
The facilitator must enforce the 'speak through your model' principle — participants answer questions by pointing to their model, not just speaking abstractly.
Certified LSP facilitators are recommended for strategic sessions.
The warm-up is not optional — hands need to learn before minds can speak.',
Variations
Run a mini LSP session (90 minutes) focused on a single question. Use non-LEGO building materials (clay, blocks) as an accessible alternative for smaller budgets.
Where it fits
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Community.