How long did the LEGO® Spring Festival Trotting Lantern set take to develop from initial idea to production?
The development of the LEGO Spring Festival Trotting Lantern set took roughly 18 months from the initial concept to the final production. This time frame includes the design, prototyping, testing, and refinement stages. Creating a set like this, which blends cultural authenticity, innovative functionality, and festive play features, requires careful attention to detail, so it’s important to spend enough time ensuring it meets our high standards before it reaches LEGO fans.
What inspired you to incorporate a trotting lantern in a set celebrating the Lunar New Year?
The trotting lantern is a traditional symbol often seen during Lunar New Year celebrations and carries a strong cultural significance. Lanterns are a prominent feature of the Spring Festival, frequently used to light up streets and homes, representing hope, prosperity and joy. I wanted to bring this important cultural symbol to life in an interactive and fun way for kids and adults. The lantern’s trotting feature adds an element of movement and play, which I believe helps capture the festive spirit and adds a unique twist to the traditional design.
How do you balance functionality with creativity when designing a LEGO set?
Balancing functionality with creativity is one of the most important aspects of LEGO build design. For the Spring Festival Trotting Lantern, it was essential to create a set that looked beautiful and authentic while also offering a playful experience. The light brick and rotating column are key functional features, but they also needed to be integrated in a way that didn’t compromise the aesthetic of the lantern. I strive to ensure that every creative idea I have is not only visually exciting but also works seamlessly within the mechanics of the set so builders can enjoy both the process of building and playing with the set after it’s completed.
Which trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of LEGO design?
The future of LEGO design will continue to be shaped by advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of storytelling through play. We’re seeing more and more interactive elements, like the light-up features in the Spring Festival Trotting Lantern, and I believe this trend will continue. Additionally, there’s a growing focus on inclusivity and creating sets that celebrate diverse cultures and bring people together. We’ll also see continued innovation in sustainable materials, as LEGO Group is working toward making our products and packaging more environmentally friendly.
Combining these trends with the creativity and joy of building will shape the future of LEGO build design for years to come.
What skills do you think are essential for a LEGO designer?
I believe the core skills for a LEGO designer revolve around observation and creation. It’s about looking at everyday objects, like a cool fire station or reference pictures of an X-Wing Starfighter from the classic Star Wars film trilogy and figuring out how to recreate them as scaled-down, playable toys or models. The medium can vary — LEGO bricks, cardboard boxes, paper, clay, wood, or anything else. The key is developing the ability to transform a two-dimensional reference picture into a tangible, physical product.
Additionally, having a playful spirit and a passion for creating engaging, playful moments is crucial. This playful approach not only fuels creativity but also ensures that the designs resonate with the joy and imagination that the LEGO Group embodies.
Explore the LEGO Spring Festival Trotting Lantern set.