In the “LEGO(R) Ideas” project, which commercializes creations by LEGO(R) brick fans, if your work receives 10,000 votes, it can advance to a review for consideration of production.
About LEGO(R) Ideas Review
The review is essentially an evaluation process. If you pass this review, your creation can be released worldwide as an official LEGO(R) brick product, and you can receive royalties based on sales. Originally, it started as a Japanese initiative called LEGO(R) Cuusoo.
Reviews are conducted three times a year, with entry periods for the first round from January to April, the second round from May to August, and the third round from September to December.
In the past, LEGO(R) Ideas allowed submissions of Marvel and Star Wars creations, and many such works advanced to the review stage. However, currently, it’s not possible to submit works based on licenses of current LEGO(R) brick series.
In this article, we’ll look back at the history of LEGO(R) Ideas, consider the rapid increase in the number of works advancing to review, and think about the future based on the current situation.
LEGO® Ideas Reviews in 2018
We started seriously watching the number of entries and projects for LEGO® Ideas on SWOOZ/STDS from 2018, so we’d like to explain from there.
The first review of 2018 had 10 projects advance, with Treehouse and The Flintstones being selected for production.
In the second review of 2018, out of 10 projects, Steamboat Willie and the Central Perk coffee shop from the TV show “Friends” were chosen for production.
In the third review of 2018, out of 5 entries, the Dinosaur Fossils project was selected for production. The Playable Piano was put under further review but was eventually approved for production.
The approval rate for 2018 was 6 out of 25 projects, or 24%.
LEGO® Ideas Tree House 21318
Can be arranged with green and autumn leaves
Includes over 180 pieces of leaves and various plant parts made from plant-based plastic. You can create your own LEGO plants with green summer foliage or yellow and brown fallen leaves.
LEGO(R) Ideas Grand Piano 21323
Automatic playback possible with free app
Introducing the LEGO Grand Piano that you can actually play! Enjoy live performances or automatic playback linked to the LEGO(R) Powered Up app.
LEGO(R) Ideas Reviews in 2019
The first review of 2019 selected Sesame Street and The Pirate Bay for production out of all 9 entered projects. The Piano, which was under continued review from the previous round, was also approved for production at the same time[1].
The second review of 2019 chose Winnie the Pooh and the Medieval Blacksmith for production out of all 10 entered projects. These two seemed to be particularly popular among LEGO(R) Ideas products.
The third review of 2019 approved Home Alone, Typewriter, and Seinfeld for production out of all 12 entered projects.
The approval rate for 2019 was 7 out of 31 projects, or 22.5%, which is lower than in 2018.
LEGO® Ideas Home Alone 21330
Numerous movie-inspired mechanisms
Open the house’s walls and roof to see the interior. It’s packed with exciting features including a paint can drop mechanism, an eerie glowing furnace in the basement, and a lever for sliding down the stairs on a sled.
LEGO® Ideas Typewriter 21327
Moves and makes sounds just like the real thing
Set paper in the roller, and when you press a key, the center arm rises, faithfully reproducing the movements of typing and paper feeding.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
At the end of 2019, an outbreak of viral pneumonia of unknown cause occurred in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. On January 9, 2020, Chinese authorities reported to the media that the cause of this viral pneumonia was first identified as a new type of coronavirus, different from other known human coronaviruses. Reference URL: WHO Statement regarding cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China
It’s undoubtedly true that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in people starting to play with LEGO® bricks or returning to the hobby after a long time. Similarly, the number of projects advancing to LEGO® Ideas reviews has also increased sharply since 2020.
LEGO® Ideas Reviews in 2020
The first review of 2020 saw a sudden increase to 26 entered projects.
Among these, the Earth Globe was selected for production. Sonic was put under continued review but was later approved for production. The Stratocaster, which won the contest, was also announced for production at the same time, but contest-winning projects are excluded from the approval rate calculation in this article.
The second review of 2020 had even more entries than the first, with 35 projects. Of these, Van Gogh was selected for production. Sonic, which was under continued review, was also approved for production.
The third review of 2020 saw only the Lighthouse approved for production out of 25 total projects.
The approval rate for 2020 was 4 out of 86 projects, or 4.65%. The approval rate, which had been over 20% in previous years, dropped dramatically, indicating that the competition to win production had become considerably tougher.
I remember that around this time, complaints and criticism about the extremely low approval rate began to appear online.
LEGO® Ideas Vincent van Gogh – The Starry Night 21333
Capturing Van Gogh’s unique style
Display the Van Gogh minifigure holding a paintbrush and palette, standing in front of the canvas on an adjustable display arm, showcasing beautiful details
LEGO(R) Ideas Globe 21332
A rotating globe
The LEGO(R) Ideas team has turned a LEGO fan’s idea into a product, recreating a rotating globe using LEGO Technic parts.
LEGO® Ideas Reviews in 2021
The first review of 2021 had an astounding 57 entered projects. Among these, Jazz Quartet and The Office were selected for production.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ House was put under continued review but ultimately wasn’t produced. However, it was later released under LEGO® Icons. It’s believed that the creator who submitted the project to LEGO® Ideas wasn’t compensated.
The second review of 2021 had 34 entered projects, of which BTS Dynamite and A-Frame Cabin were selected for production. The BTS set was extremely popular and sold very well upon release.
The third review of 2021 had 36 entered projects. Among these, only Hocus Pocus was selected for production.
The approval rate for 2021 was 5 out of 127 projects, or 3.94%. The competition became even fiercer than the previous year, which had already seen production become a very narrow gateway.
LEGO® Ideas BTS Dynamite 21339
Includes mechanism for members to dance on stage
Recreate the music video of the global hit single “Dynamite” with LEGO bricks and give shape to ARMY’s love for BTS.
LEGO® Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage 21341
Full of witchy features
Full of fun gimmicks – turn the water wheel to see pink smoke rise from the chimney, a light brick fire flicker under the cauldron, and a magic book open
LEGO® Ideas Reviews in 2022
The first review of 2022 had 39 entered projects, with a record-breaking four projects selected for production at once: The Orient Express, Insects, Polaroid Camera, and Tales of the Space Age.
The second review of 2022 had 51 entered projects, of which The Nightmare Before Christmas and London’s Red Telephone Box were selected for production. The telephone box was an unusual case of a local theme being approved, which is typically rare for LEGO® Ideas.
The third review of 2022 had 35 entered projects, with Jaws and Cats selected for production. The selection of Jaws was surprising, as I thought it wouldn’t be chosen due to its violent depiction of animal killing.
The approval rate for 2022 was 8 out of 125 projects, or 6.4%. While this shows a slight improvement from the previous year, the competition remains fierce.
LEGO(R) Ideas Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 21351
Three iconic locations from the story
Sing on the moonlit Spiral Hill, remove the roof to peek at Jack’s Christmas plan equations, and give a speech at the Town Hall podium
LEGO(R) Ideas Jaws 21350
Jaws vs. Orca: A Thrilling Showdown
Chief Martin Brody, Matt Hooper and Sam Quint, with accessory elements including a revolver, compass, fishing rod, harpoon, spear and camera
LEGO® Ideas Reviews in 2023
The first review of 2023 saw a record-breaking 71 projects entered, the highest number in LEGO® Ideas history. The projects that won production through this fiercest competition ever were the Botanical Garden and the Cullen House from Twilight.
The selection of the Botanical Garden was groundbreaking, as non-licensed building projects were typically a category that was difficult to get approved in LEGO® Ideas.
At SWOOZ/STDS, we write individual articles introducing projects that advance to LEGO® Ideas reviews. For the first review of 2023, it felt like we had to write 2-3 articles daily while managing other tasks to keep up.
The second review of 2023 had 49 entered projects. Among these, the Gachapon Machines and Western River Steamboat were selected for production. Luxo Jr., the character from Pixar’s desk lamp, was put under continued review but was later approved for production.
The third review of 2023 had 42 entered projects. Charlie’s Chocolate Factory and the Italian Riviera were selected for production from this group.
The approval rate for 2023 was 7 out of 162 projects, or 4.32%.
LEGO® Ideas Reviews in 2024
As of the time of writing this article, the results of the LEGO® Ideas reviews for 2024 have not yet been announced.
The first review of 2024 had 48 projects entered. This is still a considerable number of entries.
The second review of 2024 had 35 projects entered.
Accounts for Under 16s Deleted
While there’s a slight decrease in the number of entries from the first to the second review of 2024, it’s important to note that during the entry period for the second review of 2024, specifically from June 3rd, the terms of service were changed. The minimum age for participating in LEGO® Ideas was raised from 13 to 16 years old.
Due to this change in regulations, accounts belonging to children 15 years old and younger were deleted, and they could no longer vote. As a result, it’s speculated that the voting speed for each project has slowed down.
Will the Number of Projects Decrease in the Future?
Comparing the highest approval rate of 24% with the lowest of 3.94% for LEGO Ideas since 2018, there has been a decrease of over 80%. However, due to the aforementioned changes in regulations, there seems to be a recent trend of decreasing entries.
The third review of 2024 will continue from September to December, with 10 projects currently entered. If 10 projects enter each month, it would total 40 projects, but recently the speed of reaching 10,000 votes has slowed down even further.
Before the regulation changes, I thought the required 10,000 votes for review advancement might be increased. However, the LEGO(R) Ideas management team has likely already established a system to review about 40 projects per period, so the 10,000 vote setting is likely to be maintained in the future.
However, the number of projects advancing to review in the future might settle at around 30 to 35 per round. While this is still a considerable number compared to before, it might increase the chances of projects being selected. Therefore, confident LEGO(R) builders should keep challenging themselves, combining hobby and potential profit.
Check Out LEGO(R) Ideas Now If You’re Interested
LEGO(R) Ideas products often have a unique atmosphere that differs slightly from standard series as they are based on user creations. As mentioned, besides the regular reviews, there are also themed contests held periodically where winning entries may be produced.
We at Studs will continue to introduce LEGO(R) Ideas review-advancing projects and results. For those who want to buy and build these products, check them out now at the official LEGO(R) Shop.
If you’re interested in learning more about LEGO® Ideas, we recommend checking out this article.
💡LEGO Ideas is a project to productize fan designs!We are looking for original designs that we want to p[…]
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