The LEGO Ideas program has revolutionised how fans can shape the future of LEGO sets. What started as a collaboration with a Japanese company in 2008 has evolved into one of the most exciting developments in the toy industry, giving creative builders a chance to see their designs in shops worldwide.
How it works
Getting a LEGO set from concept to shop shelf is quite a journey. It all kicks off when someone submits their brilliant build along with photos and a detailed description. The submission needs to be clear and compelling – no fancy words or complicated names that might confuse potential supporters.
The first big test is gathering 100 supporters within 60 days. If you manage that, you’ve got a whole year to reach 1,000 votes. After that, there are two six-month periods to hit 5,000 and then the magic number of 10,000 supporters. It might sound straightforward, but remember – you’re competing with thousands of other creative minds for attention.
Three times a year – in January, May and September – the LEGO review board sits down to look at all the projects that have hit 10,000 supporters. They’re checking everything: Is it buildable? Will people want to buy it? Does it fit with LEGO’s values? It’s a proper thorough examination.
The nitty-gritty details
LEGO has quite specific rules about what they’ll consider. You can’t just build anything that pops into your head – there are guidelines to follow.
Your creation needs to be family-friendly – that means no adult content, nothing too controversial, and steering clear of politics and religion. They’re also quite particular about licensed properties. If LEGO’s already making Star Wars or Harry Potter sets, you’ll need to think of something else.
If your idea makes it through all these hoops, the perks are brilliant. You’ll get to work with professional LEGO designers to polish your creation, and when it hits the shops, you’ll receive 1% of the net sales. Plus, you’ll be credited as the creator – proper bragging rights!
When you’re ready to submit your idea, you’ll need some cracking photos – up to 16 of them – and a description that really sells your concept. The photos need to be top-notch, ideally with a plain background to make your creation stand out. Your description should cover what your project is, why it’s interesting, what special features it has, and roughly how many pieces it uses.
Success stories
The numbers tell an interesting story. Out of nearly 40,000 submitted projects, only a handful have made it to production. But here’s a fascinating bit – while many might think licensed properties are the way to go, the split between original ideas and existing properties is pretty even. About half the successful projects have been completely original concepts.
The most successful Ideas submissions tend to have a few things in common. They’re usually:
- Clear and well-presented with brilliant photos
- Built with careful attention to detail
- Accompanied by engaging descriptions that explain why they’re special
- Designed with mass appeal in mind
One recent fan submission that is now available in shops is the Cullen house from the Twilight movies.
Looking ahead
The program keeps evolving, with LEGO regularly updating their guidelines to ensure the best possible outcomes. It’s become more than just a way to submit ideas – it’s a proper community where fans can discover new concepts, give feedback, and share their passion for LEGO building.
The journey from initial concept to seeing your creation on a shop shelf might be long and challenging, but it’s opened up amazing possibilities for LEGO fans worldwide. Whether you’re dreaming up your own submission or supporting others’ ideas, you’re part of a unique creative process that’s changing how toys are developed.
Remember, while the odds of success might seem slim, some clever builders have managed to get not just one but two ideas through to production. It just goes to show that with the right combination of creativity, persistence and community support, those plastic bricks really can make dreams come true.
