In recent years, universities have been rethinking how teaching, research, and collaboration happen. Lectures are becoming more interactive, group work is becoming more reflective, and faculty are increasingly searching for ways to help students think more creatively and critically. One methodology gaining traction across campuses is perhaps the most unexpected: LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP).
Originally developed within the corporate world as a tool for strategic visioning and team development, LSP has crossed into the academic sphere with surprising success. The method’s tactile, playful nature makes it especially powerful in environments where abstract reasoning, creative problem-solving, and inclusive participation are essential—which now describes most classrooms and research settings.
Why LEGO® Serious Play® Works in Higher Education
It externalizes thinking.
Academic discussions can easily become dominated by verbal thinkers. LSP shifts the focus from talking to building, giving participants an opportunity to show—rather than simply describe—their ideas. Complex or fuzzy concepts become concrete models, helping students articulate arguments they didn’t know they could express.
It democratizes participation.
Because everyone builds, everyone contributes. LSP structures conversation so that each participant has an equal voice. In diverse classrooms or research groups, this often leads to deeper insights and more inclusive dialogue.
It enhances creativity (without requiring artistic skill).
Many students tense up when asked to “be creative.” LEGO bricks remove that pressure. There is no expectation of artistic talent—just the willingness to explore an idea through simple shapes and metaphors.
It supports reflective and metacognitive learning.
By explaining their models, students reflect on their reasoning. Listening to others’ interpretations encourages perspective-taking—an essential academic skill.
Where LSP Is Being Used in Academia
Institutions are using LSP to explore:
- Theoretical concepts (e.g., identity, power, sustainability, ethics)
- Systems thinking and complex relationships
- Project planning or iterative design processes
- Collaborative problem-solving / problem-finding and team formation
It works well in disciplines ranging from business and engineering to social sciences, health professions, and design.
Research
Researchers use LSP for:
- Qualitative data collection
- Participatory research
- Stakeholder engagement
- Co-creation of research priorities
Uncovering tacit knowledge and lived experiences
Its ability to surface metaphorical meaning makes it especially effective in studies involving identity, community, trauma-informed processes, and organizational culture.
Faculty Development & Institutional Planning
Universities use LSP in:
- Strategic planning committees
- Curriculum design workshops
- Mediating departmental conflict
- Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration
The method disrupts entrenched patterns of communication and opens space for new insights.
Why Academia Needs Play—Especially Now
Higher education is navigating rapid change: AI, shifting student expectations, interdisciplinary challenges, and evolving professional landscapes. LSP offers a counterbalance to the pressures of efficiency and hyper-digital learning. By slowing down thinking and enabling embodied exploration, it gives students and faculty a way to tap into deeper layers of creativity and collective intelligence.
In short, LEGO® Serious Play® is not just a fun activity—it’s a rigorous, evidence-supported method that helps academic communities think together in new ways.
If you would like to discuss any of these themes in more detail reach out via the contact form and leet’s talk.
