News & Events
Innovation in Action in UCC: Constructing creativity through LEGO SERIOUS PLAY
(1500x1500px)(TwitterPost)(17).jpg)
As part of our Innovation in Action in UCC series, we spoke to Dr. Briony Supple, Senior Lecturer in Design Thinking Pedagogy and Praxis at UCC about LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP); a powerful, hands-on methodology that uses LEGO bricks to facilitate creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
The methodology enables participants to build 3D models that represent ideas, insights, and solutions, encouraging deeper reflection and meaningful discussion. LSP is designed to unlock innovation by engaging both the logical and creative sides of the brain, fostering a collaborative and immersive experience.
Dr. Supple first came across LSP at a learning and teaching conference in 2018. “I was struck by how a group of people, who had never met and came from different countries, were able to use LSP to articulate common challenges in their teaching at universities. The process was transformative - watching how quickly connections were formed and how complex ideas were communicated through LEGO models was fascinating”, she explains.
From that moment, Dr. Supple was captivated by the concept of LSP as a method for fostering collaboration and uncovering shared insights. In 2020, she secured funding to complete LSP facilitator training online, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The training allowed me to deeply understand the methodology and begin applying it in my own context. Then, in 2023, I had the opportunity to upskill with the same trainer - Michael Fearne - but this time, as a partner. This partnership has enabled me to take the next step and certify others in the LSP method, empowering more people to use this powerful approach.”
Dr. Supple began using LSP in her teaching as a way for students to articulate the challenges they faced in their design thinking projects. The method proved incredibly effective in helping students uncover deeper insights and communicate their ideas more confidently. Dr. Supple also wrote a book chapter focusing on this experience, which can be read here.
The impact of LSP has since spread across UCC. Dr. Supple has been asked to facilitate workshops for various groups and departments, including HR, the Skills Centre, and the Careers Office, as well as for individual modules and programmes at UCC. “It’s been rewarding to see how LSP has resonated in so many different contexts, driving innovation and enhancing learning outcomes.”
UCC’s Adult Continuing Education (ACE) is now offering a unique opportunity to become a certified LSP facilitator with a two-day training programme led by Dr. Supple. Training in February is now full, but other dates are due to be scheduled for 2025. You can express your interest for these future training dates here.
By enrolling in the LSP facilitator training, individuals gain the tools and knowledge to lead dynamic workshops that drive engagement and results across a diverse range of settings and contexts. The training equips participants to:
- Empower teams to think creatively and solve complex challenges.
- Foster inclusive discussions where every voice is heard.
- Create memorable, impactful sessions for clients, teams, or organisations.
For those who wish to stand out as innovative leaders or facilitators, this training is an invaluable asset.
Benefits of taking part in the training include enhanced creative confidence through the hands-on practice of storytelling and ideation; improved self-awareness as participants build and share personal insights using LEGO models; and the development of tools to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts.
LSP may be of interest in particular to those of an entrepreneurial mindset, as the methodology offers a dynamic way in which to visualise and test ideas. By building physical models, it is possible to prototype concepts quickly and uncover hidden connections. LSP also helps in clarifying ideas and creating strategies through storytelling.
“For those in the entrepreneurial space, LSP provides a safe and playful medium to experiment, identify risks, and validate business concepts. It’s an invaluable tool for breaking down complex problems into manageable, tangible insights. LSP encourages divergent thinking, experimentation, and bold creativity. It removes traditional hierarchies, creating a space where all ideas have equal weight. This approach is especially beneficial for fostering innovation in multidisciplinary teams or addressing complex systems.”
Although play is often only deemed important for children, incorporating play into adult life is instrumental in breaking down barriers, fostering creativity, and improving emotional well-being. Play stimulates open-minded thinking, enabling us to approach challenges with curiosity and flexibility. At work, it creates an environment where experimentation and collaboration thrive, leading to better problem-solving and innovation. In everyday life, play reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and inspires fresh perspectives.
“Play is not just for children; it’s vital for adult growth, connection and resilience. By embracing the philosophy of ‘thinking with your hands’, LSP helps individuals and teams access untapped creative potential, fuelling breakthroughs in both business and personal endeavours."
LSP facilitator training is one of many examples of innovative activity taking place throughout the UCC Campus. If you are engaging in innovative activity in UCC or know of a colleague/student who is adding to the entrepreneurial and innovation space on campus, we would love to hear from you! Please email snolan@ucc.ie to get in touch and to be featured in our Innovation in Action series.