In 2012 the Danish company LEGO® surveyed close to 6,000 adult fans and found that
the most common professions represented fell into the “computer/engineer/technical” category. Reports from within engineering professional bodies themselves reflect a disproportionately higher rate of childhood LEGO use among engineers. They also note that continued adult play is linked to the ongoing enhancement of skills related to modularity, structural integrity, load-bearing, and iterative design. Turning technical vision into reality repeatedly trains the mind to break complex problems into discrete units. The next step is to experiment through trial and error — often far more of the latter — until solutions eventually emerge.
Earlier this year the company released a documentary entitled "Building the LEGO Dream", which showcased five of its designers and the stiff competition and arduous challenges they faced in securing the role. Viewers gained insight into the technical demands of the work, life at LEGO headquarters, and what it takes to meet the company’s exacting standards for designing new models. Especially fascinating were the behind-the-scenes looks at their first year on the job. It was also notable where the cameras were not allowed to go and the extreme secrecy surrounding the practical creative process — blinds quickly fell in a number of outside shots, underscoring how closely the company guards the real-time inventiveness of its designers.
Many viewers of the documentary noted a strong personal connection between the designers, who came from different parts of the world, and shared stories that stretched from childhood discovery of the bricks to adult passion. As each recounted their journey, the importance of maintaining playfulness quickly emerged as a key trait in their success.
To those familiar with the psychology of adult play, this is no surprise. Humans are unusual among animals in the extent to which we continue to play into adulthood. Research shows that engaging in play — particularly activities involving spatial problem-solving — helps adults maintain and sharpen related cognitive skills, including the ability to solve spatial challenges more quickly and effectively. When facing anxiety or mental fog, play can also be used to regain clarity and energy; even brief playful interludes have been shown to reorient a wandering mind and restore a sense of focus and vitality. On the flip side, studies have shown that a life without play is linked to higher risks of depression, chronic stress, and related health problems. Collectively, these findings support the idea that play ought to be deliberately incorporated into our lives as part of personal and professional development.
In what follows we consider three practical suggestions for how to do this.
1. Change your environment or introduce a tactile object.
Move somewhere away from your workspace or keep a small tactile object to play with in your hands. For some people short walks or changes of scenery reliably boost Eureka! moments, while for others, handling a tactile object can reduce anxiety and free up mental resources. Together they often produce a calming effect as well as inspiration and energy. Ever wondered why a simple trip to the water cooler or a quick “hello” in a colleague’s office so often coincides with new ideas? The combination of movement, novelty, and brief social interaction helps explain the phenomenon. Try scheduling a ten-minute “play walk” after a draining meeting or keeping a fun object on your desk.
2. Tap into your inner child.
Reimagine yourself as a seven-year-old. Remember, then relive, the type of play you used to enjoy most — building a den or a superhero fantasy? Monkey bars or a board game? Approximate that experience in your adult world by consciously embracing what made it so exciting and fun back then. This might mean sketching wild ideas without self-censorship, building something physical with your hands, or allowing a period of pure exploration with no immediate goal. In these ways we can build mental resilience to overcome unforeseen challenges and rediscover the sense of timeless adventure that once gave us the belief leading to achievement.
3. Share curiosity with others.
Spend time with people who can rekindle that sense of almost endless curiosity — the kind that almost certainly got you into trouble or left you unable to put back together whatever you had just taken apart to see how it worked. Curiosity has both individual and social forms, yet one thing easy to miss is how powerfully it thrives when shared. As a child this usually meant an open and casual setting. For adults it means non-judgmental team environments where there is actual play or simply conversation. Seek out (or create) spaces where questions are welcomed and half-formed — even seemingly mad — ideas can be eagerly explored.
At this point you’ll probably recognize how common these principles already are in conferences, events and training programs. The real challenge is to stop waiting for play to be organized for us (or done to us) and instead become the authors of our own play experience — making it a deliberate, everyday part of creating a healthier and more effective work environment.
Here at Palomar Technologies, we have more than a few LEGO enthusiasts, particularly within our Advanced Solutions Division. While we keep our personal builds to ourselves, we bring the same spirit of creative problem-solving to the challenges our customers face. With decades of collective expertise in packaging, prototyping and development, we’re always ready to help — whether the breakthrough comes from deep technical knowledge or one of those useful water-cooler moments.
Please feel free to get in touch with one of our principal engineers to discuss how we can support your next project.
About the author.
Dr. Anthony O’Sullivan is not a health professional. He has a background in economics, philosophy, and a long-standing passion for LEGO. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, please consult a qualified professional.
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Dr. Anthony O'Sullivan
Palomar Technologies
Senior Director of Strategic Marketing