The Lego Ideas series has been a game-changer for fans of the iconic toy bricks. It allows enthusiasts to submit their own ideas for new sets, which can then be voted on by the community and potentially turned into official products. But have you ever wondered, do Lego Ideas actually get made? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Lego Ideas, exploring the process of how ideas are selected, the challenges of bringing them to life, and some of the most successful sets that have made it from concept to reality.
The Lego Ideas Process: From Submission to Production
The Lego Ideas process is designed to be accessible and inclusive, allowing fans of all ages and skill levels to submit their ideas. Here’s an overview of how it works:
Submission and Review
Anyone can submit their idea for a new Lego set through the Lego Ideas website. The submission process involves creating a project page, which includes a description of the idea, images or videos of the proposed set, and a list of the Lego pieces required to build it. The project is then reviewed by the Lego Ideas team to ensure it meets the guidelines and criteria for consideration.
Guidelines and Criteria
To be eligible for consideration, a Lego Ideas project must meet certain guidelines and criteria. These include:
- The project must be original and not a copy of an existing Lego set or idea.
- The project must be feasible to produce, taking into account factors such as piece count, complexity, and cost.
- The project must align with the Lego brand values and be suitable for all ages.
Voting and Selection
Once a project has been reviewed and approved, it is opened up to the community for voting. Fans can support their favorite projects by casting votes, and the projects with the most votes are then reviewed by the Lego Ideas team. The team selects a limited number of projects to move forward to the next stage, which involves creating a prototype and testing the market demand.
Prototype and Testing
If a project is selected, the Lego Ideas team creates a prototype of the set, which is then tested with a small group of fans. This stage helps to identify any potential issues with the design, piece count, or playability, and allows the team to make any necessary adjustments before moving forward with production.
Challenges of Bringing Lego Ideas to Life
While the Lego Ideas process is designed to be inclusive and accessible, there are still many challenges involved in bringing a concept to life. Here are some of the key challenges:
Feasibility and Cost
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the idea is feasible to produce, taking into account factors such as piece count, complexity, and cost. The Lego Ideas team must balance the creative vision of the fan with the practical realities of production, which can sometimes result in compromises or changes to the original design.
Playability and Fun
Another challenge is ensuring that the set is fun and playable. The Lego Ideas team must test the set with a range of fans to ensure that it meets the brand’s high standards for playability and enjoyment.
Market Demand and Sales
Finally, the Lego Ideas team must consider market demand and sales potential. The team uses data and market research to determine whether there is a strong demand for the set, and whether it will appeal to a wide range of fans.
Successful Lego Ideas Sets: From Concept to Reality
Despite the challenges, many Lego Ideas sets have made it from concept to reality, and have gone on to become best-sellers. Here are a few examples:
The Lego Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V
The Lego Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V was one of the most successful sets of 2017, and is a great example of how a fan’s idea can become a reality. The set was submitted by Felix Stukowski and Valérie Roche, and features a highly detailed and accurate model of the Saturn V rocket.
Features and Details
The set includes a range of features and details, such as:
- A highly detailed and accurate model of the Saturn V rocket
- Three removable stages, including the S-IC, S-II, and S-IVB
- A range of mini-figures, including astronauts and technicians
- A display stand and information plaque
The Lego Ideas Old Fishing Store
The Lego Ideas Old Fishing Store is another example of a successful set that originated from a fan’s idea. The set was submitted by Grant Davis, and features a charming and colorful model of a old fishing store.
Features and Details
The set includes a range of features and details, such as:
- A highly detailed and colorful model of the old fishing store
- A range of mini-figures, including fishermen and villagers
- A fishing boat and a range of fishing gear
- A display stand and information plaque
Conclusion
The Lego Ideas series has been a game-changer for fans of the iconic toy bricks, allowing enthusiasts to submit their own ideas for new sets and potentially see them turned into official products. While there are many challenges involved in bringing a concept to life, many Lego Ideas sets have made it from concept to reality, and have gone on to become best-sellers. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just starting out, the Lego Ideas series is a great way to get involved and share your passion for Lego.
| Set Name | Release Year | Piece Count | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lego Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V | 2017 | 1,969 | $119.99 |
| Lego Ideas Old Fishing Store | 2014 | 2,040 | $199.99 |
In conclusion, the Lego Ideas series is a great way for fans to share their passion for Lego and potentially see their ideas turned into official products. With its inclusive and accessible process, the series has already led to the creation of many successful sets, and is sure to continue inspiring fans for years to come.
What is Lego Ideas and how does it work?
Lego Ideas is a platform where fans can submit their ideas for new Lego sets. The platform allows users to create and share their ideas, and if they gain enough support from the community, they can be considered for production by the Lego Group. The process typically starts with a fan creating a concept for a new set, which they then share on the Lego Ideas website.
If the idea gains 10,000 supporters within a certain timeframe, it is reviewed by the Lego Group’s team of designers and experts. They assess the idea’s feasibility, playability, and marketability, and if it meets their criteria, it can be turned into an official Lego set. The Lego Group works closely with the original creator to refine the design and ensure that it meets their high standards.
How many Lego Ideas submissions get made into official sets?
The number of Lego Ideas submissions that get made into official sets is relatively small compared to the total number of submissions. According to the Lego Group, only a handful of ideas are selected for production each year. This is because the Lego Group has high standards for their sets, and they only select ideas that meet their criteria for quality, playability, and marketability.
Despite the low success rate, many fans continue to submit their ideas to Lego Ideas, and some have been successful in getting their ideas turned into official sets. The Lego Group encourages fans to keep submitting their ideas, as they believe that this platform is an important way to engage with their community and bring new and innovative ideas to life.
What are the most popular Lego Ideas themes?
The most popular Lego Ideas themes tend to be those that are based on popular franchises, such as movies, TV shows, and video games. For example, sets based on franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Ghostbusters have been very popular among fans. Other popular themes include nostalgic sets, such as those based on classic cars or retro video games.
In addition to franchise-based sets, the Lego Group also looks for ideas that are unique and innovative. They encourage fans to think outside the box and come up with ideas that are not based on existing franchises. This has led to the creation of some truly unique and imaginative sets, such as the Lego Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V or the Lego Ideas Old Fishing Store.
How long does it take for a Lego Ideas set to go from concept to reality?
The time it takes for a Lego Ideas set to go from concept to reality can vary depending on a number of factors. Typically, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months from the time an idea is submitted to the time it is released as an official set. This is because the Lego Group has a rigorous review and design process that ensures that every set meets their high standards.
During this time, the Lego Group works closely with the original creator to refine the design and make any necessary changes. They also conduct market research and testing to ensure that the set will be popular among fans. Once the design is finalized, the set is put into production and is released to the public.
Can anyone submit an idea to Lego Ideas?
Yes, anyone can submit an idea to Lego Ideas. The platform is open to fans of all ages and skill levels, and the Lego Group encourages everyone to participate. To submit an idea, fans simply need to create a concept for a new set, build it using Lego bricks, and share it on the Lego Ideas website.
The Lego Group provides a set of guidelines and rules for submitting ideas, which can be found on their website. Fans are encouraged to be creative and think outside the box when coming up with their ideas. The Lego Group also provides a number of resources and tools to help fans get started, including a community forum and a blog with tips and advice.
Do Lego Ideas creators get paid or receive royalties?
Yes, Lego Ideas creators can receive payment and royalties for their ideas. If an idea is selected for production, the creator will typically receive a payment from the Lego Group. The amount of the payment varies depending on the complexity and size of the set, but it can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
In addition to the initial payment, creators may also be eligible to receive royalties on the sale of their set. The Lego Group pays royalties to creators based on the net sales of their set, and the amount of the royalties can vary depending on the terms of the agreement. The Lego Group also provides creators with a number of other benefits, including recognition on their website and social media channels.
What are some of the most successful Lego Ideas sets?
Some of the most successful Lego Ideas sets include the Lego Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V, the Lego Ideas Old Fishing Store, and the Lego Ideas Ghostbusters Ecto-1. These sets have been popular among fans and have received critical acclaim for their unique and imaginative designs.
Other successful Lego Ideas sets include the Lego Ideas Doctor Who, the Lego Ideas Back to the Future DeLorean, and the Lego Ideas The Big Bang Theory. These sets have been popular among fans of the respective franchises and have helped to bring new and innovative ideas to the Lego universe.