The Science Behind LEGO® Serious Play®: Why It Works

Have you ever wondered why LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) is so effective in coaching? Or maybe you’ve heard about it but you’re not sold on why it works? This post is for you. 

And if you’re a coach, facilitator or L&D pro wanting to add LSP to your toolkit, check out our LSP x Coaching training here.

LSP is a method that uses LEGO® bricks to help people explore complex issues and solve problems. It’s all about metaphors and storytelling. See a yellow brick? Maybe it’s the sun, maybe it’s your road to Oz - only you decide. 

In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind LEGO® Serious Play® and explain why it works so well.

What is LEGO® Serious Play®?

LEGO® Serious Play® is a way for people to work together to solve problems. It uses LEGO® bricks to help people visualise their ideas and communicate them to others. It was developed in the 1990s by LEGO® and researchers.

How does LEGO® Serious Play® work?

During a LEGO® Serious Play® session, people build models of their thoughts, goals, or challenges. This helps them externalise and visualise their ideas. It also helps them communicate their ideas more effectively.

Why is LEGO® Serious Play® so effective?

LEGO® Serious Play® helps people think differently and connect more deeply. It also helps them communicate more effectively. It’s a great way to solve problems and improve team performance.

Let’s dive into the science behind LEGO® Serious Play® and explore how this hands-on approach can unlock new levels of insight and learning. Here are the key principles that make it so effective:

1. Hands-On Learning: The “Thinking with Your Hands” Principle

One of the core ideas behind LEGO® Serious Play® is the concept of “thinking with your hands.” Studies in neuroscience have shown that our brains are super connected to our hands. When we move objects, our brains do more than just think verbally. This is why physical actions, like building or drawing, can spark new ideas and connections.

In LEGO® Serious Play®, people use their hands to make physical models of abstract ideas, like “leadership style” or “team dynamics.” This tactile approach lets them tap into parts of their brain that verbal thinking alone might miss. Research has shown that hands-on activities boost brainpower, improve memory, and keep people focused. By using both their minds and bodies, LEGO® Serious Play® helps clients find insights that might otherwise stay hidden.

2. Unlocking Creativity Through Play

Play is a superpower for learning and growth, and it’s not just for kids. Studies have shown that play activates the prefrontal cortex, the brain part that’s in charge of creativity, planning, and problem-solving. When we play, we enter a state of mind that lets us approach problems from new angles, take risks, and experiment.

In the world of coaching, LEGO® Serious Play® encourages leaders and teams to explore ideas without worrying about making mistakes. Because there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to build with LEGO®, participants feel free to be themselves. This playful environment encourages a mindset of curiosity, letting people let go of old ideas and find creative solutions they might not have thought of.

One of the tricky parts of coaching is helping clients figure out tricky or confusing ideas. LEGO® Serious Play® helps with that by letting people put their thoughts outside their heads. When people build a model to show an idea, they make it real. This helps people move their ideas from their heads to a place where they can see, touch, and play with them.

Cognitive psychology says that putting your thoughts outside your head can make them clearer and more clear. By physically making a model, people can see their thoughts in a new way. This can show hidden assumptions, challenge limiting beliefs, and inspire new ways of thinking. For example, a leader who feels stuck in a problem might find a fresh idea by seeing their challenge visually represented through a LEGO® model.

3. Enhancing Communication Through Storytelling

Communication is super important in coaching, and LEGO® Serious Play® takes it to the next level by adding storytelling. In an LSP session, people share the stories behind their models, explaining what each piece means and why they made certain choices. This storytelling part helps team members talk about complex ideas more easily and makes them feel more connected to each other.

Research shows that storytelling works in many parts of the brain, including parts involved in memory, language, and emotions. When leaders and team members share their LEGO® models, they’re not just telling each other facts; they’re creating emotional connections. This deepens understanding and builds trust within teams, which is especially important in team coaching.

Psychological safety is key for effective teamwork and leadership. LEGO® Serious Play® creates this safety by using the LEGO® model as a “third object.” Instead of talking directly about themselves, participants talk about their model, which acts as a buffer that makes it easier to discuss sensitive topics.

Psychology studies show that indirect communication, like talking about an object instead of oneself, can reduce defensiveness and increase openness. By using the LEGO® model as a proxy, participants feel more comfortable discussing challenges, insecurities, and areas for growth. This honest dialogue allows coaches to address important issues that might otherwise stay unspoken.

Here’s a few applications for you to experiment with incorporating LEGO® Serious Play® in your coaching sessions:

1.Building Resilient Leaders

Resilience is crucial for effective leadership, especially in tough times. In an LSP session, participants might build models that represent their past challenges and the qualities they used to overcome them. This helps leaders find their strengths, become more aware of themselves, and build confidence in facing future challenges. By visualising their resilience, leaders are better prepared to lead with strength and adaptability.

2.Uncovering Team Dynamics

In team coaching, LEGO® Serious Play® can help you explore team dynamics and find areas for improvement. For example, each team member might build a model that shows their role, strengths, and challenges within the team. When these models are shared, team members gain a better understanding of each other and how they can support one another.

3. Unleashing Creativity to Solve Complex Problems

When teams face tough challenges, LEGO® Serious Play® is a game-changer. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore different solutions. Participants build models of possible approaches, then chat about the good and bad points of each. This hands-on approach often leads to creative ideas that wouldn’t come up in a regular brainstorming session. By physically building their ideas, teams can test and refine them, making them more likely to work.

Want to read more? 

Here are some real world research pieces backing LEGO® Serious Play®’s effectiveness for you to read. 

1.Hands-on Learning and Cognitive Engagement: Research in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doing things with your hands, like building with LEGO®, makes you think more and helps you remember things better. This supports the idea that LEGO® Serious Play® helps you learn more deeply and understand things better.

2.The Power of Play in Adults: A study by Dr. Stuart Brown, a leading expert on play, found that play turns on the brain’s problem-solving centers and makes you more adaptable. In coaching, this means you’re more creative, open-minded, and resilient—all important qualities for leaders and teams.

3.Externalisation and Clarity: Studies in cognitive psychology show that externalising thoughts (through physical objects or models) can make them clearer and lead to insights that just thinking about them might miss. This supports the effectiveness of LEGO® Serious Play® as a tool for helping clients “see” their ideas and get new perspectives.

Ready to Bring LEGO® Serious Play® Into Your Coaching Practice? Join our next cohort

As a coach, your goal is to help clients become clearer, more resilient, and more successful. LEGO® Serious Play® is a powerful, science-backed way to achieve these outcomes. By incorporating hands-on, creative, and interactive elements into your coaching sessions, you can unlock new levels of insight and connection for your clients.

If you’re ready to take your coaching practice to the next level, consider getting certified in LEGO® Serious Play®. Our training program will teach you how to effectively lead LEGO® Serious Play® sessions, whether you’re working with individuals or teams. You’ll learn the principles, techniques, and exercises needed to make the most of this transformative tool.