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Why LEGO® Isn’t Just for Kids: How Serious Play Transforms Learning & Development

Think LEGO® is just for castles and spaceships? Think again! Discover how these bricks are revolutionizing problem-solving and creativity in teams.

Helena Heidemann

Co-founder of Mindshifters

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Say hi to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP)—a revolutionary method that might turn around many ideas we have around learning and development. In this post, we’re going to break down why LSP is much more than playing with bricks and how it’s helping teams think deeper, communicate better, and work smarter.

Ready to reimagine play?

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly is LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® isn’t about playing games.

It’s about playing with ideas.

LSP is a facilitated meeting, communication, and problem-solving methodology developed in the late 1990s by the LEGO Group. Its creation stemmed from the company's desire to leverage its iconic building bricks as a tool for innovation and collaboration, particularly in business contexts.

The concept of LSP originated in the late 1990s when the LEGO Group sought new ways to enhance innovation and decision-making within the company. During this period, LEGO faced challenges related to declining sales and a need to better understand customer needs and preferences, so they collaborated with researchers from various fields, including business, education, and psychology, to explore how the building blocks could be used in a more structured way to foster creativity, communication, and collaboration.

As a result, they combined various theories related to learning and play and launched LSP as a methodology, complete with specific guidelines and practices for facilitators. The process was designed to help teams articulate their thoughts, explore complex issues, and generate innovative solutions through play.

So, it is not just fun and games - LSP digs deep and delivers serious results in leadership training, team development, strategy building, and more.

Why Should L&D Leaders Care?

If you’re responsible for learning and development in your organization, you know the drill: keeping people engaged, sparking creativity, and driving real change can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where LSP comes in.

Swipe to discover, why it’s a game-changer for L&D 👇

How can LSP contribute to a positive outcome and success?

We hope that by now you already feel the impact LSP can carry - it is not just a playful exercise; it’s backed by scientific principles that explain why it effectively enhances creativity, communication, and problem-solving in organisations.

Here are some expected outcomes of LSP workshop 👇

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But we know that it is sometimes difficult to explain it to others.

There are many misconceptions and it might be difficult to showcase the value.

Here are some facts you can use 👇

/click hotspots to read more/

The Power of Play

L&D is all about developing people—and people are wired for play. LEGO Serious Play is the tool that turns play into a powerful force for learning, innovation, and transformation. So, next time someone says LEGO is just for kids, you can show them how serious play creates serious impact.

Ready to see what your team can build with LEGO® Serious Play®? Reach out at helena@mindshifters.ee to design a creative learning journey tailored to your team's needs!

Helena Heidemann

Co-founder of Mindshifters

Let's explore learning together!

Discover new ways of unleashing people's potential