Solving Problems with LEGO® Bricks. Why LEGO® Serious Play® Is More Than Just Play
Complex Problems with LEGO®bricks? What sounds like child’s play is actually a highly effective method for tackling strategic challenges. At FERNFH, Dr. Astin Malschinger and Dr. Andrea Grimm teach this internationally proven skill—from the lecture hall to the boardroom.
What do NASA, Procter & Gamble, and Mattel have in common? They all rely onLEGO®Serious Play®, a structured method for solving complex problems that is successfully used by global corporations. At FERNFH, Dr. AstinMalschinger andDr.Andrea Grimm have been successfully incorporating this internationally proven method into teaching and continuing education since 2015.
As certified facilitators and members of the Global Play Group, the two experts are in regular contact with international practitioners and bring this valuable expertise directly into the training program.“LEGO®SeriousPlay®is much more than a playful approach to problem-solving. It is a structured method for making complex issues visible and tangible,” the two instructors emphasize.
When Stones Speak: The Power of Three-Dimensional Thinking
The basic idea is as simple as it is effective: By building models out ofLEGO® bricks, people can express thoughts and emotions that are often difficult to put into words. “For me, the appeal lies in the depth that can be achieved through this method, whether in one-on-one coaching, teamwork, or the classroom,” explains Dr. Astin Malschinger.
One workshop moment in particular has stuck with the two experts: “A student built a model on the theme of ‘resistance to change’: a seemingly harmless little figure, enclosed by high walls. When he shared the story behind it, it became clear to everyone just how much personal experiences shape our attitudes toward change processes.” The methodology brings to light what would otherwise remain hidden, and that is precisely what makesLEGO®SeriousPlay®so powerful in the modern workplace.
Practical Application in Teaching: Students Benefit in the Long Term
In the master’s program in Digital Health Management, LEGO® Serious Play® is already an integral part of the coursework. In the courses in the “Twin Transformation” track, this method sparks in-depth discussions among students about digital and sustainable change processes that go far beyond superficial problem analyses. Student feedback has been consistently positive: Many are surprised at how deeply they can delve into complex topics through building, and in the process, they develop a whole new understanding of strategic challenges.
From the Classroom to the Workplace: Why Companies Rely on LEGO®
This positive learning experience for students reflects a broader trend:LEGO®Serious Play®has long since evolved from a creative tool into a sought-after innovation tool in business practice. Its growing popularity in the business world is no coincidence. “Because we are increasingly confronted with uncertainty, complexity, and change,” Malschinger and Grimm explain the rising demand. Companies need methods to get teams talking, foster creative thinking, and develop shared solutions.
Professional Certification Instead of a Craft Class
But beware of misunderstandings:“LEGO®SeriousPlay®is not a craft class, but a well-founded tool with a clear structure and set of rules,” the two experts emphasize. They advise other educators, trainers, and interested individuals to pursue professional certification in order to fully harness the method’s potential and guide participants confidently through the process.
Participants in FERNFH’sLEGO®SeriousPlay® training courses not only become familiar with the method but are also certified as competent practitioners of this internationally recognized method—a decisive advantage for their future professional practice.
Experience it for yourself:LEGO®Summer Camp 2025
Anyone who wants to experience the transformative power ofLEGO®SeriousPlay®for themselves will soon have the opportunity to do so: TheLEGO®Summer Campwill take place at the FERNFH AKADEMIEfrom July 21 to 25, 2025. Here, interested participants can experience firsthand how colorful bricks can be used to develop new perspectives on complex issues.
“Those who are willing to give it a try will be rewarded—with greater depth, greater engagement, and often surprising insights,” conclude the two experts, based on years of practical experience.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Trend
In an age where complexity and change shape our daily lives, both educational institutions and businesses need new ways to solve problems.LEGO®Serious Play®is more than just a trend; it is a proven tool that helps people work together to find solutions that would otherwise have remained hidden.
Want to learn more aboutLEGO®SeriousPlay®or participate in the Summer Camp?
You can find all the information here:https://akademie.fernfh.ac.at/lego-summer-camp/
Other continuing education programs offered by the FERNFH AKADEMIE:
https://akademie.fernfh.ac.at/
