The business world is changing fast. Innovation isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. But how do you build a workplace that actually unlocks innovation? The answer might just come in the form of colourful bricks with huge creative potential: the LEGO® Serious Play® Method. It’s not just about building models; it’s about tapping into the full LEGO® Serious Play® Method process potential to build new ways of thinking, collaborating, and leading—supporting business performance through an innovative process.
The Process That Sparks Possibility
At its core, the LEGO® Serious Play® Method is a facilitated thinking and communication process. It invites individual participants to construct models with LEGO® bricks to represent abstract ideas, organizational systems, strategic challenges, or aspirations. By leveraging the full LEGO® Serious Play® Method process potential, this hands-on, experiential process turns intangible thoughts into tangible, three-dimensional models—making complex ideas visible, shared, and open for dialogue.
Why It Works: The Science of Hands-On Learning
Research shows we gain deeper understanding when we physically build knowledge. The LEGO® Serious Play® Method activates both sides of the brain, merging logical reasoning with imaginative thinking. It’s grounded in constructionism, a theory by Seymour Papert, which argues that people learn best when they actively create meaningful objects.
This methodology in action unlocks:
- Critical thinking through symbolic and metaphorical thinking
- Effective communication through storytelling technique
- Creative solutions and potential solutions to complex challenges
- Collective understanding and alignment among team members
From Theory to Practical Application
Whether you’re leading agile projects, fostering leadership development, or teaching in educational settings, this method supports your goals. Here are just a few areas where the LEGO® Serious Play® Method becomes a valuable asset:
1. Strategic Planning & Visioning
During business strategy development sessions, people often rely on abstract discussion or traditional meetings. With LEGO® models, you foster team collaboration and alignment using building blocks that produce valuable insights and agreed-upon actions.
2. Team Building & Trust Development
Team building becomes more than an icebreaker. It becomes a productive session where individual models reveal key elements of team dynamics. The hands-on approach builds psychological safety and a culture of openness.
3. Innovation and Problem Solving
From brainstorming innovative ideas to designing high-tech solutions, the LEGO® Serious Play® Method supports divergent thinking tools and box thinking. It’s widely used in design thinking, business improvement, and career planning workshops.
4. Conflict Resolution & Reflective Practice
Visual metaphors allow teams to surface communication breakdowns and alternative perspectives. This enables richer discussions, authentic conversations, and stronger connections across leadership teams and business consultants.
Who Benefits from This Process?
- Agile teams navigating fast-paced, complex challenges
- Facilitators and coaches looking to enhance soft skills and team alignment
- Corporate trainers seeking immersive learning experiences
- Business leaders engaged in organizational growth and strategic thinking
- Educators and consultants delivering action learning and advanced training
Its wide range of business applications makes it a powerful tool in any facilitator training program or professional development track.
The Process in Action: Step by Step
- Challenge Question Framing: The facilitator defines an open-ended question tied to real-world scenarios.
- Building Individual Models: Participants engage with a bunch of bricks, creating miniature worlds that illustrate abstract thinking and business situations.
- Sharing and Speaking Time: Each model tells a story—prompting descriptive imagination and agreed-upon interpretations.
- Deep Insights Through Dialogue: With a collaborative approach, the team uncovers meaningful insights and actionable strategies.
- Building a Common Model: A collective vision is formed using physical representation of shared values.
- Creating Action Plans: Teams co-create plans for business strategy, organizational development, or leadership improvement.
This structured approach integrates storytelling, tangible models, and inclusive environments to build adaptive strategies and innovative thinking.
The Serious Side of Play
Despite their playful nature, these activities yield serious results. From the late 1990s to today, businesses have used this approach for everything from product innovation to leadership training. Backed by decades of research—including work by Bart Victor and Johan Roos—and featured in thought leadership like Harvard Business Review, the LEGO® Serious Play® Method is a valuable tool for business life.
Certification Through Serious Play Business
At Serious Play Business, we offer a comprehensive certification training path that empowers facilitators to lead with impact. Whether you’re seeking advanced facilitation strategies or a new approach to business development, our certification programs deliver.
You’ll gain:
- Advanced techniques for creative thinking and team collaboration
- Real-world applications of 3D bricks in leadership and People Development
- Confidence in delivering safe space environments with measurable outcomes
Our training programs include:
- Online Micro Certification
- Enhanced Certification
- Training in person and remote options
- Flexible hours: 9:00–17:00, 13:00–21:00, 9:00–18:00
We’re a trusted training provider committed to helping you unlock your creative imagination and develop advanced facilitation skills.
Conclusion: Build Brighter Business Futures
The LEGO® Serious Play® Method offers far more than colourful models. It’s a dynamic approach to team development, business strategy, and leadership growth. By blending creative imagination, strategic planning tools, and the power of metaphor, this method gives teams the structure to think differently, act boldly, and connect deeply.
In a business landscape where adaptability in leadership and effective collaboration are non-negotiable, LEGO® Serious Play® stands out as both a powerful and practical solution.
Want to bring this powerful method to your team?
and start building better outcomes—brick by brick.
