Rediscovering Creativity: A Journey in Design and Organization

It has been a while since I documented my thoughts, and recently, I found myself diving into a deep, chaotic realm of creative management: Lego sorting. For those who know me, Lego is more than just a hobby; it’s a family tradition. We have amassed an impressive collection of bricks over the years—from birthdays and Christmas gifts to travel souvenirs and rewards. This accumulation has led to a daunting task: keeping track of thousands of plastic pieces. Initially, we relied on bins and boxes, eventually resorting to large bags made from old bed sheets. However, as time passed, these solutions became inadequate. The chaos of mixed bricks frustrated us all. While the kids enjoyed playing with Lego, their enthusiasm waned as the clutter grew. Our first attempt at organization involved sorting by color—a method that proved ineffective. For four years, we had a closet full of color-coded bins that remained hidden and unused. The plan failed; the children lost interest, and Lego became an afterthought. Connected by this wonderful read, Brick by Brick, we decided to tackle this problem head-on. We poured out the color-coded bins over the weekend, eager to build something new. However, we quickly realized that our previous sorting method rendered the pieces nearly impossible to use effectively. Hours were spent searching for specific parts required for our projects. It was clear: I had failed in my approach.

A Systematic Approach: From Chaos to Order

Apparently, this is a business: Bricklink is a platform that allows people to order individual bricks online where many domestic Lego collectors have turned this into an entrepreneurship. I thought about asking Marie Kondo for help, but what better way than to extract insights from this community of online retailers! Determined to find a better solution, I embarked on a mission to sort our Lego collection not by color but by type—an exercise rooted in systematic thinking and information architecture. This approach required meticulous organization and labeling, transforming the way we interacted with our Lego bricks. And that was my summer this year, every weekend, for about 10 weeks, nearly full-time, I sorted somewhere north of 50,000 pcs of bricks.

5 Key Steps to Organization:

1. Categorization: I divided the pieces into categories based on type—bricks, plates, minifigures, wheels, etc. Thanks to BricksArchitects, they system was better understood with visuals, names and codes.
2. Labeling: As I discovered my library of unique parts vs. duplicates, the labeling system kept evolving until I understood the quantity of each group sets. Different systems such as Lego vs. Technics also had to be reclassified. Each category received clear labels for easy identification.
3. Storage Solutions: I ended up investing in a modular drawer system that allows for different size parts to be stored according to my needs. It was also wall-mountable and transparent bins that allowed visibility while maintaining organization.
4. Accessibility: I arranged the bins in a way that made frequently used pieces easily accessible. This I later learned, was an integral part to the ease of use on the system. I eventually have memorized every single location of the drawer and was made easier when clustering of common part types were put in the same quadrant.

This method not only simplified the building process but also reintroduced joy into creative play. It was a new way to build. The system enabled us to look at the creative process very differently. By utilizing the parts freely, the configurations to create became limitless. We began to look for our next build not through the existing catalogs, but from the creative forefront artists and designers' community. Drawing inspirations from these creatives and making interpretations along the way to redefine possibilities.

Enhancing Creativity Through Design

The process of sorting Legos is not merely about organization; it also serves as a powerful catalyst for creativity. When children have easy access to well-organized pieces, they can explore their imaginations without frustration. Each brick becomes a potential building block for innovative designs rather than just another piece lost in a sea of color. Lego encourages #modularity in design—the idea that smaller components can be combined in various ways to create something larger and more complex. This modularity simplifies the design process by allowing builders to experiment freely without fear of making mistakes or losing track of their ideas. When each piece is categorized effectively, it becomes easier for young builders to visualize their projects and understand how different elements can work together. In this sense, Legos act as both a medium for expression and a learning tool that nurtures critical thinking skills. Children learn to approach problems systematically as they plan their builds, considering how each piece fits into their larger vision.

"Many creative people are finding that creativity doesn't grow in abundance, it grows from scarcity - the more Lego bricks you have doesn't mean you are going to be more creative; you can be very creative with very few Lego bricks." - Jorgen Vig Knudstorp

The Importance of Systematic Maintenance

However, embracing modularity doesn’t end with initial organization; it requires ongoing maintenance to ensure efficiency in design. Just as any system needs regular upkeep to function optimally, so does a well-structured Lego collection. Regularly revisiting the organization system allows us to adapt it based on how the kids play with their Legos over time. As new sets are added or interests change, maintaining this system ensures that everything remains accessible and functional. This systematic maintenance fosters sustainability—both in terms of preserving our extensive collection and minimizing waste by ensuring that every piece is utilized effectively. By keeping our Lego system organized and up to date, we enhance not only our efficiency but also our creativity. When everything is in its place, we can focus on building rather than searching for pieces. This accessibility transforms the experience from one of frustration into one of joy and exploration.

Outcome as the Journey

Interestingly, the process of sorting Legos turned out to be therapeutic for me as well. Although I don’t recommend it if simplifying complexity isn’t your thing. It is a gradual process, with the goal to think longer term because. I initially set a goal to do it in 6 months and was eventually motivated to do it half the time. As I organized each piece, thoughts flowed freely—one idea inspiring another—transforming what could have been a tedious task into an opportunity for reflection and creativity. The act of sorting became more than just organizing toys; it was a journey through memories associated with each set and every build my children had created over the years. As I continue this journey brick by brick, I can’t help but wish for a Lego vacuum sorting machine! Until then, I’ll embrace the chaos that leads to creativity while fostering an environment where my children can thrive as builders. Ultimately, this experience has highlighted how thoughtful design, and systematic organization can unlock creativity—not just in play but in life itself. By understanding how modularity enhances our creative processes and committing to maintaining our systems effectively, we cultivate an environment where imagination flourishes and innovation thrives.