LEGO Ideas Sets: From Fan Creation to Valuable Collection

The LEGO Ideas Platform: Empowering Fan Creativity

LEGO Ideas has revolutionized the way fans interact with their favorite building block brand. This innovative platform allows LEGO enthusiasts to transform their creative visions into potential official sets, bridging the gap between consumer and creator.

The journey began in 2008 with the launch of LEGO CUUSOO, a collaboration between the LEGO Group and the Japanese company Cuusoo. Initially limited to Japan, LEGO CUUSOO required only 1,000 supporters for a product idea to be considered for production. This localized approach allowed LEGO to test the waters of fan-driven design in a controlled market.

October 2011 marked a significant milestone in the program’s evolution. LEGO expanded CUUSOO worldwide, dramatically increasing its reach and potential impact. With this global expansion came a new challenge for creators: the supporter threshold jumped from 1,000 to 10,000. This increase ensured that only the most popular and well-supported ideas would make it to LEGO’s review stage.

The transition from CUUSOO to LEGO Ideas in April 2014 brought more than just a name change. It signaled LEGO’s commitment to fan engagement and creativity on a global scale. One of the most significant changes was the adjustment to age requirements for participation. Under CUUSOO, users had to be at least 13 years old to create an account and 18 years old to submit a product idea. LEGO Ideas democratized the process, allowing all users 13 and older to submit product ideas. This change opened the doors for younger LEGO enthusiasts to showcase their creativity, with parental permission required for creators under 18 if their project passed the review stage.

The success of LEGO Ideas is evident in the numbers. As of August 13, 2022, 58 sets have been produced and 65 sets have been announced (including GWP sets) under the LEGO Ideas banner. These sets span a wide range of themes, from original concepts to licensed properties, demonstrating the diverse creativity of the LEGO fan community.

Some of the most popular LEGO Ideas sets include:

• The Doctor Who TARDIS
• Ghostbusters Ecto-1
• The Beatles Yellow Submarine
• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Voltron

These sets not only showcase fan creativity but have also become highly sought-after collectibles. For example, the LEGO Ship in a Bottle set has been hailed by LEGO as one of their most popular Ideas sets of all time, indicating its potential for significant value appreciation in the secondary market.

LEGO Ideas has not only empowered fans but has also provided a unique opportunity for creators to see their designs come to life. Successful designers receive 10 copies of the final set, a 1% royalty of the product’s net sales, and credit in the set materials as the LEGO Ideas set creator. This recognition and compensation model further incentivizes fan participation and creativity.

The platform continues to evolve, with LEGO constantly refining its submission standards and review process. From its humble beginnings as a Japan-exclusive program to its current status as a global phenomenon, LEGO Ideas has truly revolutionized the relationship between LEGO and its most passionate fans.

The Fan Design Process: From Concept to Potential Production

Building on the foundation of the LEGO Ideas platform, creators embark on a journey that transforms their imagination into tangible LEGO sets. This process is both challenging and rewarding, requiring creativity, technical skill, and perseverance.

Design and Building Methods

LEGO Ideas creators employ various methods to bring their concepts to life. Many start with LEGO-provided software like Stud.io, which allows for digital prototyping. This software enables designers to experiment with different brick combinations and color schemes without the limitations of physical inventory.

However, the importance of physical prototyping cannot be overstated. As one experienced LEGO Ideas creator advises, “Try to build your Lego Ideas creations physically before posting them.” This approach helps identify potential structural issues and ensures the design is feasible in the real world.

Some creators, like Andy Clark, designer of the Doctor Who LEGO set, combine both digital and physical prototyping. Clark spent months refining his design, tackling challenges like creating a six-sided console and making the TARDIS box open while maintaining exterior details.

Gaining Community Support

Reaching the crucial 10,000-vote threshold is a significant challenge for LEGO Ideas creators. Success often hinges on effective promotion and community engagement. Creators must be proactive in sharing their projects across various platforms.

Key strategies for gaining support include:

1. Leveraging social media: Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Flickr, Instagram, and TikTok are essential for reaching potential supporters.
2. Engaging with the LEGO community: Regular updates and interaction with supporters can help maintain momentum.
3. Seeking media coverage: Getting featured on high-traffic websites can significantly boost visibility and votes.

For instance, Katie Barnes, creator of the Stray Kids “Oddinary Maniac” LEGO Ideas set, reached the 10,000 supporter milestone in just 4 days through effective promotion and tapping into the K-pop fan community.

Navigating LEGO Ideas Guidelines

Creators face several challenges in adhering to LEGO Ideas guidelines and requirements. These include:

• Size restrictions: Projects are limited to a maximum of 3,000 pieces.
• Intellectual property constraints: Designs cannot feature IPs owned by competing toy companies or include inappropriate content.
• Technical feasibility: Submissions must be buildable and stable using existing LEGO elements.

Additionally, creators must balance creativity with marketability. LEGO’s selection criteria consider factors like “curb appeal” and potential sales performance, not just technical execution.

The journey from concept to potential production is a testament to the dedication and creativity of LEGO Ideas participants. While challenging, this process has resulted in some of the most innovative and collectible LEGO sets in recent years. As the platform continues to evolve, it offers an exciting opportunity for fans to shape the future of LEGO and potentially create the next valuable collector’s item.

LEGO’s Selection Criteria: Balancing Marketability and Originality

As fan-submitted designs progress through the LEGO Ideas platform, they face a rigorous evaluation process. LEGO’s review board carefully considers each submission, balancing commercial viability with creative innovation. This delicate equilibrium is crucial in determining which sets make it to production and potentially become valuable collector’s items.

Key Factors in LEGO’s Selection Process

The LEGO review board evaluates submissions based on several critical factors:

1. Commercial Appeal: The marketability of a set is paramount. LEGO assesses whether a proposed design has the potential to sell well and appeal to a broad consumer base.

2. Adherence to LEGO Design Standards: Submissions must align with LEGO’s established design criteria, ensuring buildability and stability using existing LEGO elements.

3. Concept Uniqueness: LEGO prioritizes sets that bring fresh, innovative ideas to their product line. As one commenter noted, “creating a beautiful work of art that also fits into Lego’s own design criteria is not as important as bringing a new unique idea to the table.”

4. Licensing and Legal Considerations: For submissions based on existing properties, LEGO must navigate potential licensing issues and legal constraints.

Successful LEGO Ideas Sets

The diverse range of LEGO Ideas sets that have made it to production showcases the effectiveness of this selection process. Some notable examples include:

• The Doctor Who TARDIS set: Praised for its innovative folding design and character inclusion.
• The Beatles Yellow Submarine: A unique blend of pop culture and LEGO creativity.
• Voltron: Described as “an all time great set” that is “huge, beautiful, functional and an awesome build.”

These sets demonstrate LEGO’s commitment to balancing marketability with originality, often resulting in highly collectible items.

Rejected and Adapted Designs

Not all popular submissions make it through LEGO’s review process. Some designs are rejected outright, while others are adapted significantly before production. For instance:

• The Titanic set was initially rejected on LEGO Ideas, but a similar design was later released as an official set.
• The DeLorean time machine set underwent significant changes, with the final product being “5x more expensive and exclud[ing] entire parts of it for no good reason,” according to some fans.

These examples highlight the complex decision-making process LEGO employs when selecting Ideas submissions for production.

The Impact on Collectibility

LEGO’s selection criteria directly influence the collectibility and potential value of Ideas sets. By choosing designs that balance marketability with originality, LEGO creates sets that appeal to both casual fans and serious collectors. The LEGO Ship in a Bottle set, for example, has been hailed as one of the most popular Ideas sets ever released, indicating its potential for significant value appreciation in the secondary market.

LEGO’s approach to selecting Ideas sets demonstrates a commitment to innovation while maintaining commercial viability. This strategy not only satisfies current LEGO enthusiasts but also attracts new collectors, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic market for LEGO Ideas sets. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how LEGO’s selection criteria shape the future of collectible LEGO sets.

The Value of LEGO Ideas Sets for Collectors

As LEGO Ideas sets transition from fan creations to official products, they often become prized possessions for collectors. The unique nature of these sets, combined with their limited production runs, can lead to significant appreciation in value over time.

Appreciation Potential

LEGO Ideas sets have demonstrated remarkable potential for value appreciation. For instance:

• The LEGO Ideas Hayabusa set from 2012 has appreciated 549%, now selling for $324.83 on the secondary market.
• The LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store from 2017 has increased in value by 148%, currently fetching $372.

These examples illustrate the significant return on investment potential for collectors who identify and acquire valuable LEGO Ideas sets early.

Factors Contributing to Collector Value

Several key factors influence the collector value of LEGO Ideas sets:

1. Exclusivity: LEGO Ideas sets often have limited production runs, increasing their rarity and desirability.

2. Theme Popularity: Sets based on popular franchises or themes tend to command higher values. The Doctor Who TARDIS set and Ghostbusters Ecto-1 are prime examples of this trend.

3. Condition: Sealed, unopened sets generally hold the most value, emphasizing the importance of proper preservation for collectors.

4. Innovative Design: Unique or groundbreaking designs, like the LEGO Ship in a Bottle, often become highly sought after by collectors.

5. Retirement Status: Once a set is retired and no longer available from LEGO directly, its value on the secondary market typically increases.

Strategies for Collectors

To maximize the potential of LEGO Ideas sets as valuable collectibles, consider the following strategies:

1. Early Acquisition: Purchase promising sets soon after release. As noted by one collector, “buy these recommended sets soon, as they are likely to retire within the next 1-3 years and could then see substantial increases in aftermarket value.”

2. Focus on Unique Themes: Sets that combine popular themes with the LEGO Ideas concept, like the LEGO Ideas Medieval Blacksmith, often have strong appreciation potential.

3. Monitor Retirement Announcements: Keep an eye on LEGO’s retirement schedule. Sets nearing retirement, like the LEGO Ideas Treehouse, may see significant value increases post-retirement.

4. Consider Set Size and Complexity: Larger, more complex sets often have higher collector value. The UCS Falcon and UCS AT-AT are frequently cited as among the most valuable LEGO sets.

5. Beware of Re-releases: LEGO occasionally re-releases popular Ideas sets, which can impact the value of original releases. The Ship in a Bottle and Saturn V re-releases are examples of this “dark side” of LEGO Ideas investing.

While LEGO Ideas sets can be excellent investments, it’s crucial to approach collecting with caution. The LEGO investing community advises against treating LEGO solely as an investment vehicle, as returns may not be sufficient for significant wealth generation. Instead, focus on collecting sets you genuinely enjoy, with potential value appreciation as a secondary benefit.

By understanding the factors that contribute to LEGO Ideas set values and employing smart collecting strategies, enthusiasts can build a collection that brings both joy and potential financial rewards. The unique nature of LEGO Ideas sets, born from fan creativity and selected through a rigorous process, adds an extra layer of appeal for collectors seeking something truly special in the world of LEGO.

The LEGO Ideas Collector Community

The LEGO Ideas platform has fostered a vibrant and passionate collector community. This group of enthusiasts not only supports fan-made projects but also actively engages in discussions about the value and impact of LEGO Ideas sets on the broader LEGO collecting landscape.

Community Engagement and Enthusiasm

The LEGO Ideas collector community demonstrates its passion through various online platforms and fan-made projects. For instance, the Reddit LEGO Ideas community serves as a hub for enthusiasts to share their creations, discuss ongoing projects, and celebrate successful sets. This engagement extends to other social media platforms, where creators like Katie Barnes have found success in promoting their projects and reaching the crucial 10,000 supporter milestone.

Fan-made projects often generate significant excitement within the community. For example, the Bluey LEGO Ideas set proposal has garnered attention for its detailed recreation of the Heelers’ house, complete with Easter eggs from the popular TV show. Such projects showcase the community’s creativity and dedication to bringing beloved concepts to life in LEGO form.

Challenges and Frustrations

Despite the overall enthusiasm, some collectors express frustrations with LEGO’s selection process and the limited appeal of certain approved sets. A common complaint is the perceived disconnect between popular fan submissions and LEGO’s final selections. For instance, one collector noted that LEGO seems to favor “avant garde” or niche submissions over practical sets that would have wider appeal, such as castles or farm sets.

Another point of contention is the adaptation of fan designs by LEGO. Some collectors feel that official releases sometimes deviate significantly from the original fan submissions, potentially altering the very elements that made the designs popular in the first place. The Delorean time machine set is often cited as an example, with complaints that the official release was “5x more expensive and exclude[d] entire parts of it for no good reason.”

Impact on the LEGO Collecting Landscape

LEGO Ideas sets have undeniably influenced the broader LEGO collecting landscape. These sets often become highly sought-after collectibles, with some appreciating significantly in value. For example, the LEGO Ideas Hayabusa set from 2012 has appreciated 549%, while the Old Fishing Store from 2017 has increased in value by 148%.

This potential for appreciation has led some collectors to view LEGO Ideas sets as investments. However, the community generally advises caution in this approach. As one collector noted, “a 100% return on a £50 or £100 set won’t give you enough money to retire on.” Instead, many recommend focusing on collecting sets that personally resonate with the buyer, with potential value appreciation as a secondary benefit.

The LEGO Ideas platform has also expanded the range of themes and concepts available to collectors. Sets like the Doctor Who TARDIS and Voltron have brought unique and highly detailed models to the LEGO lineup, appealing to both LEGO enthusiasts and fans of these franchises.

Looking to the future, the LEGO Ideas collector community continues to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of LEGO products. By supporting innovative designs and providing feedback on official releases, collectors influence not only which sets make it to production but also how LEGO approaches set design and marketing. As the platform evolves, it will likely continue to be a driving force in the world of LEGO collecting, bridging the gap between fan creativity and official LEGO products.

The LEGO Ideas collector community, with its passion, creativity, and critical engagement, remains an integral part of the LEGO ecosystem. While challenges and frustrations exist, the platform’s ability to turn fan concepts into valuable collectibles continues to captivate and inspire LEGO enthusiasts worldwide.