06 February, 2025

Forty-four quality validation students from the Department of Physical Science recently participated in a unique and engaging LEGO Serious Play (LSP) workshop, facilitated by Rebecca Robinson, Researcher in the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence.  The workshop served as an introduction to a new assignment task for assessment, challenging students to think creatively and collaboratively about their future roles in quality control.

The LSP methodology encourages participants to explore complex ideas and challenges through the medium of LEGO bricks.  This hands-on approach allows for a deeper level of engagement and facilitates richer discussions than traditional brainstorming methods.

The workshop focused on three key areas:

Ideal Team Composition: Students were tasked with building representations of their ideal quality control teams, considering the necessary knowledge, skills, personalities, and leadership qualities required for success.  This exercise prompted valuable conversations about teamwork, collaboration, and the diverse skillsets needed in a modern QC environment.

Ideal Work Environment: Participants then constructed their visions of the perfect QC work environment.  These LEGO models sparked discussions about the physical layout, resources, technology, and overall culture that would foster productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction.

Potential Quality Deviation/Issue Scenario: In a collaborative effort, each group worked together to build a potential quality-related deviation or issue scenario using LEGO bricks. This exercise challenged students to apply their knowledge of quality control principles to real-world situations, encouraging them to think critically about potential problems and their solutions.

Following the workshop, students were asked to write a reflective piece on their LSP experience. This provided an opportunity for them to articulate their learning to date and discuss the insights gained through the hands-on activities.

The LSP workshop proved to be a valuable and engaging learning experience for the quality validation students. By using LEGO bricks as a medium for exploration, they were able to visualise and discuss complex concepts in a dynamic and interactive way.  This innovative approach to learning has equipped them with valuable insights into teamwork, work environment design, and problem-solving within the quality control field, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of their future careers.

Rebecca Robinson

Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator
Hincks Centre Researcher

Further information on the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method of facilitation is available here.

If you would like to discuss LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® further and how it can be of benefit to you, your team or students/class, please contact Rebecca.Robinson@mtu.ie.