LEGO sets are a huge part of childhood for many people, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re brightly colored, make great toys, and are generally fun to play with. But how do LEGO designers come up with all these different sets? In this article, we’ll explore the process of designing a LEGO set from start to finish.
LEGO set design begins with an idea and takes shape using sketches, computer programs to create 3D versions and building with real bricks. A lot of thought and planning goes into the design to ensure it is suitable and safe for the targeted age range.
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The Process Of LEGO Set Design
LEGO sets are designed in a process that begins with the idea phase. During this phase, designers come up with ideas for new LEGO sets and sometimes look to previous sets to get an idea for what might be popular or interesting. After coming up with ideas, the design team begins to develop the set concept. This phase involves creating a outline of what the set will be, as well as figuring out how it will function.
Usually, there is just one designer working on a set. For larger sets, there will be collaborations with several designers and sit together for closer communication. Each team has a building table that has boxes of the most common types of bricks and they build together.
During the day, designers will go to the ‘library’ which contains every single LEGO brick ever made. The bricks are taken back to their desks and they start building.
If sets are for a licensed them such as Disney, designers must check with them to ensure the set is in line with their franchise. Once approval has been obtained from the Intellectual Property partner, the design can proceed.
LEGO designers are also at liberty to add personal touches to their sets. For example, one product designer working on the Wrecked Shrimp Boat (70419) for the now retired Hidden Side theme, named the boat ‘Maria’ after his wife. The designer also used his wedding date as the ship’s license plate.
Once the concept is finalized, the design team begins to create models of the set and test them out.
During this process, local children are even brought to the design studio to play with the models and offer suggestions. This is a great way to get the direct opinion of the targeted audience.
After they are satisfied with the design, the construction team begins to create the actual LEGO sets.
The Creative Process Behind A LEGO Set
LEGO sets are designed through a creative process that starts with the idea. The designer begins by sketching out ideas and building models to test out concepts. Once the designer has a good understanding of the design, they start creating CAD drawings of the set. CAD drawings are used to create 3D models of the set which are used to make sure the set is completely functional and looks how the customer wants it to look. Finally, the sets are created in plastic and sent off to production.
What Does CAD Mean In LEGO?
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. The most famous one of these tools was the LEGO Digital Designer (LDD) which LEGO developed in 2004. The LDD was free software that allowed you to build models with virtual LEGO bricks.
LDD was retired and replaced with Bricklink Studio. The new software is also free to download and use.
How LEGO Sets Are Designed For Fun And Learning
LEGO sets are designed to be fun and educational for both children and adults. The LEGO design team takes into account the target audience for each set and designs sets that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they are young or old, experienced builders or first-time LEGO fans.
One of the ways that the design team ensures that all LEGO sets are fun is by focusing on creating unique and interesting designs. For example, the LEGO City Airport set includes a control tower and a hidden airport, both of which are unique to this particular set. The LEGO Creator Expert set includes a model of a car and a model of a boat, both of which can be customized in many different ways. This allows children to explore their creativity and learn about different aspects of engineering while playing with the set.
LEGO sets are also designed to help children learn about different topics. The LEGO Friends Rainbow Quarry set includes models of different rocks and minerals, as well as a microscope, so children can learn about these topics in an interactive way. The LEGO Batman Movie Unmasked set includes models of characters from the movie, including the Joker, so children can learn about famous villains from an entertaining perspective.
How Long Does It Take To Design A LEGO Set?
It can take anywhere from 1-2 years to design a LEGO set depending on if it is a licensed set or not. Licensed stes such as a Star Wars set takes longer as the set has to be close and accurate in regards to the original from the movie.
Are LEGO Sets Designed By Computers?
Although LEGO designers use CAD programs, designers build with real LEGO bricks just as much using digital bricks. Digital bricks don’t tell designers if it is stable when being held in a child’s hand, for example. A majority of the design is physically built with real bricks.
Also, what might look great on a computer screen, may not look so hot in real life.
What Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Does LEGO Use?
LEGO uses a CAD designed especially for them which is not available to the general public. It is similar to Bricklink Studio which replaced LEGO Digital Designer (LDD) and is free for everyone to use.
Final Thoughts
LEGO sets are designed with a lot of thought and planning. From the colors and designs of the pieces to the way they are put together, LEGO sets are unique and special. The designers at LEGO use a number of different techniques to make sure that every set is fun and enjoyable to play with.