As an experience designer, I was always on the lookout for innovative methodologies to enhance my workshops, user research, and product thinking. My fascination with LEGO® and its endless possibilities led me to explore LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. And after reading "Building a Better Business Using the Lego Serious Play Method," my resolve to become a certified facilitator further strengthened.

"Because in the end, you won't remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain." ― Jack Kerouac.

Training in Billund. Sept-Oct'20.

The odyssey began with a flight to Billund from India during the peak of pandemic in Sept 2020. The two boons I held with gratitude were my pre-existent business visa and Robert's unwavering support. Leveraging these blessings, I embarked on a path of learning, discovery, and growth. I vividly recall the amazement on Robert's face when he first saw me— “You finally made it!!” And what followed was nothing short of magical—a transformative experience that paved the way for a new beginning.

After returning from the training, I was on an adrenaline high—full of enthusiasm with a renewed sense of purpose. But the pandemic struck again, and this time it was even more devastating, bringing the entire world to a screeching halt.

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” - T. S. Eliot.

In the first half of 2021, due to the movement restrictions in Pune and the advantage of WFH, I shifted to a small place in the east of India, a military station where the population was sparse—at least I could take a walk in nature. A new facilitator's biggest fear is losing the practice and not being able to hone the newly acquired skill. So I ensured to carry the facilitator manual and the exploration kits. I looked for every opportunity to do an LSP session, even if that was 1:1 with family and neighbors. Then came the chance to conduct a workshop for the soldiers' wives—to gain a deeper understanding of their needs for running vocational training in the cantonment. The outcome was magical—despite their limited exposure to the tool and a lack of articulation skills, the group could express themselves more effectively through the models.

<aside> 💡 A big takeaway—When I sent Robert a workshop roadmap to review. Due to time constraints, I had cut short the skill building keeping only the ”f*******” tower. Robert responded, ”Skills Building, oh no! It is always, always, always. always!” Now I allocate at least 60 minutes to skill building come what may.

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The prototypes and post-its on the wall and bricks on the table—innovation is inevitable at udChalo.

Those days, I was working for a National Award Winning Startup, 'udChalo,' as a Chief Design Officer. I was determined to cultivate the LSP culture along with the design thinking mindset within the organization.

So second half of 2021, when I was back in Pune, I conducted an LSP workshop for the other 7 CXOs. At the end of the session, Ravi, the CEO, exclaimed, “Manali, when are we getting this kit for udChalo? We need one!”

And yes, we got the kit! I kept conducting the LSP sessions regularly with different teams for different purposes— team building, product thinking, ideation, user journeys, and even conflict management.

At the end of one year, the employees were familiar with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and its potential.

<aside> 🗣 “Manali has taken the innovation bar high with Lego Serious Play transforming our company culture and how we approach problem-solving. I highly recommend every org to invest in Lego Serious Play” — Ravi Kumar, CEO at udChalo.

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Glimpses at udChalo- Team Building, Org Identity, User journey, Affinity Mapping - LSP was used wherever possible. It triggered engagement, motivation, and ideas creating synergy within the org. (click on the image to zoom)

In Sept 2022, I realized it was time to spread the LSP cheer in other organizations and institutions. This led me to create my own venture, "**Blocks to Unblock.**"

I started getting design thinking workshops, user research, and prototyping projects because I already worked in the design industry. But there was a noticeable resistance to embracing LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®; I made an extra effort to encourage its adoption.

<aside> 💡 Instead of promoting the methodology, I started introducing LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® during the varied workshops. Both the outcome and the response were magical. Also, I use LSP during user interviews—the user needs are more potent, and the insights are unexpected. So instead of selling LSP workshops, I show the outcome to gain traction.

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My most significant experience in 2022 was working with hearing-impaired children with two co-facilitators, Vaishakhi and Laxman. The heartening response received at the Global Community Meet in Oct left me feeling humbled.