Serious play approaches in participative ergonomics

Recent years have seen the focus of research in Participatory Ergonomics (PE) shift to the development of tools to support the PE process. The mechanisms and key theories underlying LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) suggest that it is a suitable tool to support this process. The core of LSP is a facilitated workshop where participants respond to tasks by building symbolic and metaphorical models using LEGO bricks. LSP is an innovative, experiential process which has been shown to extend players' awareness of problems and ideas, enhance creativity and enable teamwork. As such, LSP should be able to fulfill the requirements of PE in generating acceptable ergonomics solutions