Introduction

“What is the difference between online and in-person LEGO Serious Play training — and which one is right for me?”

It is a question that comes up often.

And understandably so. Choosing a training pathway is not just about logistics. It is an investment of time, energy, and attention. The format you choose shapes how you experience the method, and how you go on to apply it in practice.

The honest answer, as with most things, is still: it depends.

That said, there are some consistent patterns worth understanding. This article explores the differences between online and in-person LEGO Serious Play facilitator training, and what to consider when deciding between them.

For those earlier in their journey, it can also be helpful to understand how this fits into the broader pathway of becoming a LEGO Serious Play facilitator.

The purpose of LEGO Serious Play training

Before comparing formats, it is worth stepping back.

The objective of any LEGO Serious Play training programme is the same: to enable you to design and facilitate meaningful LEGO Serious Play experiences within your own context.

Whether delivered online or face-to-face, strong programmes will include:

• Experiential learning through building and reflection
• A grounding in the core principles of the methodology
• Workshop design and facilitation structure
• Opportunities to practice and receive feedback

As explored in How to Become a LEGO Serious Play Facilitator, facilitation is something that develops through doing. The format you choose influences how that experience unfolds, but not the fundamental outcome.

What tends to become clear over time is that the format matters less than how you engage with the process itself.

Online LEGO Serious Play training

Online training has evolved significantly in recent years.

Participants typically receive LEGO kits in advance, allowing them to build physically while engaging in a virtual environment. Sessions are structured, with clear facilitation guiding participants through build and share cycles.

Some of the key characteristics of online LEGO Serious Play training include:

• Structured, focused interaction
• Clear facilitation flow and turn-taking
• Individual build space, often supporting deeper reflection
• Use of digital tools to support collaboration

Online formats also introduce elements specific to remote facilitation, such as:

• Digital whiteboards
• Managing virtual group dynamics
• Techniques for maintaining engagement remotely

For those expecting to run virtual or hybrid sessions, this becomes particularly relevant.

In-person LEGO Serious Play training

In-person training offers a different kind of experience.

Participants work together in a shared physical space, engaging directly with each other and the materials.

This often creates:

• Immediate, face-to-face interaction
• A strong sense of group energy
• More fluid, spontaneous conversation
• Opportunities to observe body language and non-verbal cues

There is also a social dimension that is difficult to replicate online.

Informal conversations, shared breaks, and incidental interactions often contribute to what might be described as a “hidden curriculum” — learning that happens outside of the structured session.

Same objective, different experience

It is important to emphasise that the learning objectives are the same across both formats.

Both online and in-person LEGO Serious Play facilitator training aim to develop your ability to design and deliver workshops effectively.

The difference lies in:

• The environment in which you learn
• The type of interaction you experience
• The facilitation dynamics you are exposed to

In other words, the method remains consistent. The modality changes.

How to choose the right format for you

Rather than asking which format is “better”, it is more useful to consider which is the best fit for your context.

1. Consider how you will facilitate

If you expect to deliver virtual workshops, then online LEGO Serious Play training provides direct exposure to that environment.

If your work is primarily face-to-face, in-person training allows you to observe and experience those dynamics more closely.

There is crossover between both, but alignment with your intended use is a helpful starting point.

2. Consider your learning preferences

Some people thrive in structured, focused environments. Others benefit from the energy and immediacy of in-person interaction.

Online training often supports:

• Individual focus
• Clear structure
• Flexibility

In-person training often supports:

• Group immersion
• Spontaneous interaction
• Observational learning

3. Consider the wider investment

Beyond course fees, there are practical considerations.

In-person training may involve:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Time away from work

Online training removes many of these barriers, making it more accessible for some participants.

At the same time, it is worth reflecting on the value of the experience itself, not just the cost.

4. Consider what you want to gain beyond the method

It is easy to focus on LEGO Serious Play as a tool.

In practice, many participants highlight additional benefits from training, including:

• Broader facilitation skills
• Instructional design insights
• Confidence in leading group sessions
• Understanding of client-centred workshop design

These elements are present in both formats, but may be experienced differently.

Online vs in-person: key differences at a glance

Online training

• More accessible and flexible
• Strong focus on structured facilitation
• Direct relevance for remote delivery
• Supports individual reflection

In-person training

• More immersive and social
• Stronger group energy
• Greater visibility of group dynamics
• Additional informal learning opportunities

How this connects to certification and facilitation

Both pathways contribute towards LEGO Serious Play certification.

The goal remains the same: to develop the capability to guide meaningful, structured workshops.

For a broader view of how this fits into the overall pathway, see How to Become a LEGO Serious Play Facilitator.

From training to real-world workshops

Ultimately, the purpose of training is application.

LEGO Serious Play is used across leadership, team development, strategy, and coaching contexts.

Many of these applications take place within structured sessions designed to support participation and shared understanding, which you can explore further in LEGO Serious Play Workshops for Leadership and Team Development.

What becomes clear over time is that the effectiveness of the session depends less on where you trained, and more on how you apply what you learned.

A note on practice-based learning

One constant across both formats is the importance of learning through experience.

LEGO Serious Play aligns closely with practice-based learning, where understanding develops through doing, reflecting, and adapting.

The most effective training experiences are those where participants are actively engaged throughout, regardless of format.

So, which should you choose?

The answer remains: it depends.

But perhaps now, the decision is a little more informed.

Taking the next step

If you are considering your options, the next step is to explore the available training formats in more detail.

You can begin by reviewing the LEGO Serious Play facilitator training page.

From there, you can choose the format that best aligns with your context, learning style, and intended application.

FAQ

Is online LEGO Serious Play training effective?

Yes. When well designed, online training provides a structured and engaging learning experience with strong opportunities for reflection and participation.

Is in-person training better than online?

Not necessarily. Each format offers different strengths depending on your learning preferences and context.

Can I get certified through online training?

Yes. Many programmes offer full certification through online LEGO Serious Play training.

Which format should I choose?

Consider how you plan to use the method, how you prefer to learn, and the level of flexibility you need.