You’d think the world had run out of challenges for LEGO builders. After all, we’ve seen ‘functional’ lawnmowers, instant-photo Polaroid cameras that spit out LEGO “photos,” and even a ‘working’ rotary phone, all meticulously engineered, all somehow feeling like they’re right at home in the pantheon of LEGO absurdity. Yet, every so often, a builder comes along who ups the ante and rewrites the rules of what counts as “functional.” This time, that crown goes to a Rubik’s Cube, the kind that actually works. Not a blocky facsimile or a fidget toy with half-hearted spin, but a LEGO-built, fully twistable, color-matching, soul-crushing 3×3 Rubik’s Cube that might just be the most precise and satisfying “MOC” (that’s “My Own Creation” for the LEGO uninitiated) you’ll see this season.

Precision is the name of the game with Rubik’s Cubes. Every speedcuber, every fidgeter worth their salt, knows that the difference between a good cube and a mediocre one is measured in microns. A single click or jam, and your whole solve is toast. So making a functioning cube out of LEGO, with its famously not-quite-millimeter-perfect clutch power and those tiny mold-parting lines, feels like tempting fate. Yet here it is, spinning with the kind of smoothness that would make Erno Rubik himself do a double take. The builder, whose project recently surfaced on the LEGO Ideas platform, didn’t just aim for “works in theory.” They built a full-size, color-accurate cube that moves with the same crispness and tactile feedback you expect from a real puzzle.

Designer: Kragle Dog

The mechanism underneath those glossy 3×3 tiles? A clever lattice of LEGO Technic and system bricks, ingeniously stacked and interlocked to mimic the familiar spindle-and-corner arrangement of the original. It’s a feat that takes patience and an obsessive eye for tolerances, because even a fraction of a millimeter’s error can mean the difference between a cube that spins and a cube that simply locks up.

Size-wise, this thing’s a beast. Scale it against a standard Rubik’s Cube, and you’re looking at a puzzle that’s roughly four times the volume of the pocket original, clocking in at 15.6cm or over 6 inches per side. That extra space isn’t wasted, though. It gives the mechanism inside room to breathe and function, letting each axis rotate independently and with minimal play. The outer tiles are color-matched to classic Rubik’s specs, with red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and white plates snapping into place like a proper 80s icon. The result is a cube that looks like it was plucked directly from the world’s nerdiest toy store and dropped onto your desk, ready for a scramble.

“The Rubik’s Cube truly is an iconic toy, shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the LEGO brick,” says LEGO builder Kragle Dog. “So, being a fan of both LEGO bricks and Rubik’s Cube, I decided to try a new challenge and combine those two legendary toys into one epic idea.” The resulting build uses a staggering 2,216 bricks (that’s just the cube, not counting the base or the Rubik minifigure).

What really gets me is how this project manages to bridge the gap between playful creativity and mechanical purism. Most LEGO MOCs err on the side of whimsy, sacrificing accuracy for charm. Here, though, the builder’s gone full engineer, wrangling LEGO’s sometimes-fussy tolerances into something that actually works. That’s no small feat. The prototype reportedly holds together under repeated twists and turns, resisting the kind of catastrophic blowouts that plague less robust builds. There’s sheer genius in how each piece interlocks, trading the usual friction-fit for a system that’s both sturdy and forgiving. It’s the kind of object that makes you want to pick it up, scramble it, and maybe even try to speedsolve just to see if it can keep up. And no, you’re not allowed to use a Brick Separator to ‘solve’ the cube, even though that’s technically possible.

The flex doesn’t stop at the cube itself. The builder included a custom 357-brick display stand, elevating the puzzle into the realm of functional sculpture. There’s even a minifigure of Erno Rubik, the Hungarian architect who kicked off the global cubing craze back in 1974, complete with his signature hair and a tiny cube of his own. It’s a wink at the history and the culture surrounding the puzzle, and a reminder that behind every great invention is a designer obsessed with the details. The stand’s got just enough visual heft to make it a centerpiece on any shelf, while the figure adds a layer of narrative that most LEGO MOCs skip over in favor of pure form.

If you do want to see this project come to life, it just requires you to vote for it on the LEGO Ideas forum – a platform created for LEGO enthusiasts to share unique creations and vote for their favorite builds. We’ve covered hundreds of MOCs at this point, and I for one continue to be surprised by the kind of ingenuity LEGO builders possess, even after covering this beat for over 10 years!

The post This 2216-piece functional LEGO Rubik’s Cube could be the ultimate desk flex first appeared on Yanko Design.

The clacking of marbles against plastic, the agonizing wait as your ball teeters on the edge of a trap, the trash talk between friends gathered around a tabletop game. Remember that? The “Tricky Traps” LEGO Ideas project bottled that exact feeling, transporting us back to the days when entertainment didn’t require a charging cable. Created by LEGO enthusiasts BRICKUP and JodyPad, this 600-piece recreation of the classic 80s Tomy game has already captured over 1,000 supporters on the LEGO Ideas platform. Nostalgia sells, but this project goes beyond mere sentimentality. The creators have meticulously designed each piece to function exactly like the original, resulting in a LEGO set you’ll actually play with long after building it.

I’ve always had a soft spot for LEGO sets that do something after you’ve snapped the last brick into place. The company has quietly built an impressive portfolio of interactive builds over the years. The playable chess sets let you stage epic battles between minifigures. The LEGO Mario sets transform your living room floor into a real-world platformer with electronic sensors and sound effects. Even the Ideas Maze set from 2016 brought genuine gameplay to the LEGO experience, with a tilting labyrinth that challenged your steady hand. “Tricky Traps” continues this tradition, blending the satisfaction of construction with the thrill of competition.

Designers: BRICKUP & JodyPad

The original Tricky Traps captured 80s kids’ hearts with its devilish obstacle course for marbles. Players navigated through moving platforms, sudden drops, and precarious pathways, all while racing against opponents and the clock. This LEGO recreation maintains that essence while adding the unmistakable texture of brick-built design. Each of the approximately 600 pieces serves a purpose, creating a 1:1 scale model that doubles as a fully functional game. The designers incorporated Technic elements to recreate the motorized aspects of the original, ensuring that this isn’t just a static display piece. The attention to mechanical detail shows a deep understanding of both LEGO engineering and what made the original game so addictive.

LEGO shines brightest when it pushes beyond static models. The grand piano that actually plays, the Nintendo Entertainment System with its scrolling TV screen, the functioning typewriter with its satisfying key action. “Tricky Traps” belongs in this category of builds that reward you twice: first during construction, then every time you play with it. For a generation raised on instant digital gratification, there’s something revolutionary about a toy that demands patience, skill, and physical presence. If this set makes it through the LEGO review process, expect to see adults hogging it at family gatherings, reliving their youth one marble at a time, while introducing a new generation to the analog joys of mechanical gaming.

The project still has 589 days to gather the 5,000 supporters needed to reach the next review milestone, but its early momentum suggests a hunger for tactile, interactive play experiences. With enough support, it could potentially become a retail box set that all of us can assemble and play with. If you want to see that happen, i.e., if you love tactile games over doomscrolling displays, go ahead and give the Tricky Traps your vote on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post LEGO’s ‘Tricky Traps’ Promises a Hands-On Experience That Will Captivate All Ages first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember when you’d spend hours tapping your phone screen, deploying sunflowers and peashooters to hold back the endless tide of the undead? Plants vs Zombies was a 2009-10 cultural phenomenon that turned lawn defense into an obsession for hundreds of millions of players. That quirky tower defense title with its adorable plants and dopey zombies somehow managed to hook everyone from hardcore gamers to grandparents who’d never touched a game before. Now, a decade after we all collectively worried about zombies eating our brains, LEGO Ideas has unveiled a pitch-perfect brick recreation that captures the essence of PopCap’s masterpiece in 1100 meticulously arranged pieces.

First off, translating a digital game to physical LEGO form is tricky business, but this set absolutely nails it. The designer has recreated that iconic suburban battlefield with the precision of someone who clearly spent way too many hours (like the rest of us) strategically placing cherry bombs and potato mines. The layout is instantly recognizable: a neatly gridded front lawn, the modest little house with its characteristic roof, and of course, the stars of the show – those plucky plants and brain-hungry zombies, all rendered in brick form that somehow preserves their cartoonish charm while working within LEGO’s geometric constraints.

Designer: KrafftPunk

The front lawn unfolds in a neat grid of various green plates, lightly studded to anchor eight distinct brick-built plant figures. Closest to the house, a row of potato mines – each built from black clips and red round tiles – bleeds into neatly clipped hedges of sunflowers. Their smiling yellow heads perch on layered leaf elements. Next come two rows of shooters: bright green Peashooters flank two icy-blue Snow Pea models, each barrel perched on a stacked-tile stalk. A chomper with a bulbous purple head and hinged jaw snaps open among them. Two walnut figures, carved from angled bricks into squat, worried eyes, guard the final lane beside a white picket fence.

The plant lineup is a greatest hits collection that would make any PvZ veteran smile. The Peashooter’s signature green head has been captured with surprising nuance using just a handful of pieces. The Sunflower beams with that same dopey optimism that made it the backbone of every successful defense strategy. Wall-nut’s worried expression somehow translates perfectly to LEGO form, complete with those anxious eyebrows that always made you feel a little guilty about putting him in harm’s way. The Snow Pea, Cherry Bomb, and Potato Mine round out the plant defenders, each one immediately recognizable despite their miniature size and blocky construction.

On the zombie side, the roster’s a little limited, but it’s still enough to really seal the deal. The minifigures are tweaked to go from your happy yellow beings to olive-green zombies with their signature expressions, gangly teeth, and ripped clothes – all created through mere decals. One of the zombies even holds the brains flag, officially representing the offensive side of the game.

The lawn grid is (to a degree) functionally playable. Plants and zombies can be positioned and moved across the battlefield, essentially turning the set into a physical version of the game. You could absolutely use this as a tabletop strategy game, moving zombies forward one space per turn while the plants defend their territory. The modular design allows for endless reconfigurations, letting you recreate your favorite defensive layouts or experiment with new strategies that would never work in the actual game. I’m already imagining house rules for a competitive two-player version where one person controls plants and the other zombies.

This set represents LEGO at its finest – taking something beloved from pop culture and transforming it into an interactive brick experience that works on multiple levels. For the casual fan, it’s a nostalgic nod to a game that ate up countless hours of their life. For serious LEGO collectors, it’s a display piece filled with clever building techniques and character designs. And for those who want to actually play with their LEGO (imagine that!), it’s a physical board game that captures the strategic essence of its digital inspiration. But first, the set needs to make it through the LEGO Ideas voting cycle… although with over 4,700 votes, it’s well on its way to hitting the 10k mark that will then send it to LEGO’s internal team to review whether it fits well into LEGO’s box-set collection. If you want to see that happen, go ahead and cast a vote for the Plants vs. Zombies build on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post Iconic Plants vs Zombies game gets revived with this Playable 1,100-brick LEGO set first appeared on Yanko Design.

I didn’t know how much I needed Kim Possible back until I scrolled on the internet to stumble across this build staring back at me in glorious LEGO form – cargo pants, sassy side-eye, Rufus casually perched on her shoulder. For anyone who raced home from school to catch Kim flipping through air ducts and dodging laser beams, seeing her back (albeit in LEGO) feels somewhat cathartic – like the world really needs her to fight all the supervillains destabilizing the earth right now.

Crafted meticulously from 1,165 LEGO bricks, this build by teljesnegyzet captures every bit of Kim’s swagger in a statue standing 21 inches tall. That fiery orange hair, constructed from carefully layered wedge plates, is practically a sculpture on its own. You can almost see it waving dramatically after a perfectly executed backflip. The attention to detail is peak LEGO nerd territory, down to the perfectly recreated cargo pants using sand green tiles layered sideways. Pure genius.

Designer: teljesnegyzet

Rufus, the tiny naked mole-rat sidekick, hasn’t been overlooked either. He’s neatly built from just about 40 bricks, perched on Kim’s shoulder, looking a bit skeptical, just as he should. Cleverly, his position is adjustable with a hidden Technic pin, giving collectors that extra bit of fun when deciding exactly how judgmental Rufus should look today.

What’s impressive here is how the build stays authentic without relying on printed details. Kim’s iconic black crop top and even the eyebrow arch are entirely brick-built, letting simple shapes and smart brick choices do all the work. It’s classic LEGO magic, turning basic geometry into instantly recognizable characters. No shortcuts, no stickers, just genuine creativity.

With just over 130 days to reach the 5,000 supporter milestone on LEGO Ideas (currently around 1,831 supporters and counting), this feels doable. The comments section is buzzing with fans rediscovering Kim, others impressed by the design itself, even those who had to Google “who’s Kim Possible” first. This blend of spot-on nostalgia and clever building technique is exactly the kind of project that LEGO Ideas thrives on.

Whether this hits the shelves officially or stays a stunning fan-made concept, it’s proof of how strongly early 2000s Disney Channel nostalgia resonates. And to be honest, with the current state of global affairs, I really could do with some positive affirmation… even if it stands at 21 inches tall and reminds me of a time when life was so much better. If you share the same belief, you can head down to the LEGO Ideas website to cast your vote for this fan-made build.

The post Remember Kim Possible? This Epic 1,165-brick LEGO Statue Is The Ultimate Throwback first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Grammys are exactly a week away, and the air is already buzzing with anticipation. Whether you’re rooting for Charli XCX’s Brat winning Album of the Year or cringing at the idea of Espresso winning the Best Song because it was plastered all across social media, the Grammy statuette—arguably one of the most iconic trophies in music history—will soon take center stage. Shaped like a vintage gramophone, this gleaming golden award has been synonymous with excellence in music since its debut in 1959. Now, thanks to LEGO enthusiast _ironman, this piece of music history has been reimagined in an entirely new way: as a LEGO set.

In true LEGO Ideas fashion, the design captures the essence of the real Grammy award—a gramophone frozen in time, its brass horn glinting with a sense of pride and tradition. But what makes this build more than a miniaturized tribute to the Grammys is its intention. According to _ironman, the project was inspired by a desire to encourage kids to chase their dreams, even in the face of adversity. “One day, I’ll get one of these,” is the thought this LEGO set aims to inspire, especially for children who may be dreaming of making music their career. It’s a powerful idea wrapped in a clever, brick-built package.

Designer: _ironman

Standing at 16.6 x 19.5 x 31 mm, this LEGO Gramophone shows off a minimalist design that doesn’t skimp on details. With 207 pieces, including four golden “records” tucked away in a gold box, it strikes a balance between elegance and accessibility. The build isn’t overly complex, making it a perfect project for music lovers of all ages—LEGO newcomers and seasoned builders alike. There’s even a blank nameplate that you can add your name to, just as the ultimate manifestation!

The idea of merging LEGO with cultural icons isn’t new, but this project feels especially poignant. Music has a way of uniting people, and the Grammys are a celebration of that universal connection. By recreating the Grammy award in LEGO form, this set becomes a bridge between two art forms: music and building. Whether you’re someone who loves constructing MOCs (My Own Creations) or simply admires the rich history of the Grammys, this project has something for you.

As we countdown to Grammy night, this LEGO Gramophone reminds us that creativity knows no bounds. While not everyone will walk away with an actual Grammy, the dream to reach that pinnacle begins somewhere. And sometimes, it starts with a handful of bricks, an idea, and a spark of imagination. So, if you’re as inspired by this as we are, head over to the LEGO Ideas website to vote for _ironman’s project, and let’s make this golden dream an official box set. After all, even the longest musical journey starts with a single note—or in this case, a single LEGO brick.

The post This LEGO Grammy Trophy Replica Turns an Iconic Award into a 207-Brick Collectible first appeared on Yanko Design.

The only fitting adjective to describe this LEGO kit is Legen… wait for it… Dary!

For nine years, How I Met Your Mother captured global audiences with a distinctive blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable characters. It developed a devoted following that continues through reruns and streaming, as people revisit the Manhattan apartment, the bar around the corner, and the inside jokes that made viewers laugh, cry, and find comfort in a group of friends navigating life, love, and dreams.

Now, fans can relive the nostalgia of Mosby and his gang’s shenanigans through this LEGO Ideas set that recreates the show’s beloved apartment in remarkable detail. With around 1,300 pieces and six minifigures (plus a goat), this model includes a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and both Ted’s and Marshall and Lily’s bedrooms. Each room presents subtle nods and references to the show’s memorable episodes, giving builders a hands-on way to celebrate the series’ enduring legacy.

Designer: Dreamnbricks

Picture this: Ted’s iconic apartment, recreated with stunning attention to detail using approximately 1,300 LEGO pieces. Fans of the show will recognize every corner of this familiar setting, from the lovingly cluttered kitchen to the cozy living room where so many of those legendary moments took place. Marshall and Lily’s bedroom, Ted’s personal retreat, and even a tiny bathroom—each room is a nod to the set that became a second home for millions of viewers. The HIMYM LEGO Ideas set comes from the mind of Dreamnbricks, a LEGO builder who wanted to pay tribute to one of his favorite TV series of all time.

Of course, no tribute to How I Met Your Mother would be complete without its iconic characters. The set includes six minifigures: Ted, Marshall, Lily, Barney, Robin, Missy the goat, and the mysterious woman who Ted finally marries, standing with her iconic yellow umbrella. These figures bring the spirit of the show to life, with just the right balance of charm and detail to capture their personalities. Barney, for example, looks like he’s mid-scheme in his legendary suit, while Robin’s figure feels ready to belt out a hit as Robin Sparkles. The only recurring characters missing from the set are Ted’s children, who often feature in the intro of each show.

The LEGO Ideas kit comes filled with easter eggs from the show. The apartment is littered with familiar imagery from the blue French horn, the pineapple, the Intervention sign in the living room, Barney’s Playbook, and even the yellow umbrella tucked into the scene. Designed like a studio set, the LEGO kit also comes with the HIMYM placard on top, along with studio lighting placed along the edge of the walls.

The design also emphasizes practicality, which is fitting for a sitcom built on the everyday magic of friendship. The apartment’s modular layout makes it easy to customize, giving builders the freedom to recreate their favorite moments or even imagine new scenarios. Want to stage the slap bet? Go ahead. Reenact the goat incident? Absolutely. It’s a set that’s as playful as it is nostalgic, capturing the heart of the series while letting fans make it their own.

But why now? Why does How I Met Your Mother deserve its own LEGO set almost a decade after its final episode aired? Because the show’s impact hasn’t faded. Its reruns and streaming presence keep it alive for new generations, who laugh, cry, and cringe their way through Ted’s winding path to love. This LEGO project taps into that enduring legacy, offering fans a tangible way to celebrate a story that’s as much about the journey as the destination.

Currently, the How I Met Your Mother kit is a submission on the LEGO Ideas website – a forum where fans can share their own LEGO creations and vote for their favorites. With just under 2,000 votes, this particular MOC (My Own Creation) is gradually picking up the attention of HIMYM-lovers. If you want to see this LEGO kit come to life, visit the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote!

The post LEGO How I Met Your Mother Brick Set Brings Ted Mosby’s Iconic Apartment to Life first appeared on Yanko Design.

If there’s one corner of the internet I find myself constantly visiting, it’s the LEGO Ideas website just to see what unique stuff people are building. You usually see a healthy mix of submissions – architecture, cartoon characters, historic monuments, culture, and every once in a while, a working LEGO version of a real-life product, like a Turing machine or a lawn mower.

This ambitious set, crafted with 1,316 meticulously chosen pieces, turns mere bricks into a fairly functional microscope that you can peer through and examine samples under. Standing tall at 16.5 inches, this MOC (My Own Creation) from Peter_Designs is more functional than you’d expect. With a revolving nosepiece, working eyepiece, and adjustable sharpness controls, this creation promises not just to look good but to work like a charm, inspiring curiosity in everyone who assembles or uses it.

Designer: Peter_Designs

The LEGO Ideas Functional Microscope moves, adjusts, illuminates, and even magnifies. Three lenses in a revolving nosepiece let you simulate different magnification levels, complete with tiny bacteria models to examine. A press-activated light brings your samples to life, while fine and coarse sharpness controls let you dial in clarity. Every mechanism feels purposeful, engineered to transform assembly into interaction.

The model also carries the weight of history in its design. Microscopes have transformed how we see the world, from Galileo’s earliest designs to today’s electron microscopes that reveal the invisible. For Peter_Designs, this MOC hopes to celebrate the piece of equipment and all the achievements it’s aided. “My motivation for this set was twofold,” he says. “The first aim is to show that science can be fun! If approached right, it is not a limitation but an opportunity[…] The second motivation was to show an appreciation for people who dedicate their life to science – many hours of research and determined work, so that all of us can have better lives.”

The magnification settings, represented by LEGO-constructed bacteria samples, invite users to explore the microcosm in a tangible, imaginative way. The illumination light, coarse and fine adjustment knobs, and even a sprung sample clip make this as interactive as it is educational. The model offers a tactile understanding of how microscopes work, all while delivering the unmatched joy of building something extraordinary from tiny, interlocking bricks. Right above the rotating lenses lies a disc that features 2D representations of bacteria. Rotate the eyepiece and you see a zoomed-in or zoomed-out version of the bacteria, just through clever LEGO building.

LEGO veterans will relish the intricacy of its construction. Advanced building techniques mimic the angles, gears, and connections of a real microscope, making every step of assembly a journey in engineering. There’s a kind of alchemy here: ordinary bricks transforming into something extraordinary, a process that’s as rewarding as the finished product itself.

The entire kit stands at a fairly impressive 42cm (16.5 inches) tall, featuring a 1,316-build construction that includes both regular as well as LEGO Technic bricks to give it a reliable, functional construction. The design combines elements from beautiful, antique microscopes with those taken straight from modern, more sophisticated machines.

For now, the Functional Microscope is a submission on the LEGO Ideas website, gathering votes from the broader LEGO global community. With 5,960 votes, it’s well on its way to hitting the 10,000 vote mark, following which the submission will be reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and hopefully converted into a box-set that all us enthusiasts can buy. If you consider yourself such an enthusiast, you can vote for the LEGO Ideas Functional Microscope on LEGO’s website here.

The post LEGO Microscope with a Functional Rotating Eyepiece lets you Examine LEGO Bacteria Samples first appeared on Yanko Design.

Now the richest woman in the music business (and the second richest musician lagging only behind Jay-Z), Taylor Swift deserves everything she’s attained. Sure, you might not love her music, you might not care for her entirely – but Taylor’s built an entire empire solely on her music skills. While other artists have diverged into building streaming platforms and record labels like Jay-Z, starting cosmetics businesses like Rihanna and Selena Gomez, or even working for fashion brands like Pharrell and Kanye West, Taylor’s net worth is SOLELY tied to her music. With her successful Eras Tour coming to a grand conclusion this year after 2 full years of back-to-back touring, it’s only fitting that she gets her own LEGO kit – even if it’s only fan-made. Designed by the folks at Minibrick Productions, the LEGO Ideas Eras Tour Poster is a seemingly flat piece of LEGO artwork modeled on the Eras Tour poster… but remove each individual thumbnail from the artwork and you’re greeted by a minifigure of Taylor dressed for that era! The poster contains 10 eras with 10 dedicated Taylor Swift minifigures.

Designer: Minibrick Productions

The entire LEGO Ideas set comes made from 1,410 bricks, featuring a minimalist yet instantly recognizable depiction of the Eras poster. You’ve got all the eras on it, from Taylor’s debut album ‘Taylor Swift’ to the last album to debut before her tour, ‘Midnights’. It’s a fairly simple build, to be honest, with quite a few bricks going towards the artwork, as well as the frame. The result, however, is both intricate AND interactive, as pulling apart the thumbnail for any of the given eras reveals a tiny diorama featuring mama Swift herself.

The dioramas are all ‘taylor’-made to fit each era. It starts with her in her Teal dress for her debut album and era, moving onto icons like the casual outfit for Red, a black-donned Taylor with a snake for Reputation, Taylor in her iconic bodysuit for the Lover era, and the ‘bejeweled’ suit for Midnights. All the dioramas have tiny icons of the eras too, from clocks to guitars, snakes, and even the plaid pattern seen in the Evermore era.

“This brick-built poster will earn its rightful place on any LEGO lover and Swiftie’s wall!” says Minibrick Productions, who’s also responsible for other iconic LEGO sets like the LEGO Polaroid One-Step SX-70 camera, and even the LEGO Interstellar Miller’s Planet scene. Minibrick Productions’ current submission is gathering votes on the LEGO Ideas forum, where enthusiasts can vote for their favorite fan-made creations. With nearly 6,000 votes as of writing this, the LEGO Ideas Taylor Swift Eras Poster is well on its way to hitting the 10,000 vote mark, following which it’ll be reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and hopefully turned into an official box-set! If you’d like to see that happen, cast your vote on the LEGO Ideas website now!

The post Taylor Swift gets a LEGO version of her Eras Tour poster with 10 Dedicated Eras and Minifigures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Artificial intelligence is stirring discussions within the creative realm. Regardless of where one stands on the “debate,” the democratization of graphic design, product concepts, and digital creativity spans diverse domains, and Artificial Intelligence is shaping various sectors. Certain AI tools not only enhance efficiency but also drive innovation. These inventive tools are capturing significant attention due to their remarkable impact. Although AI-generated designs might spark debate, some designers are harnessing their potential to shape unique interpretations of furniture, cars, shoes, mobiles, appliance aesthetics, and more.

Designer: Moss and Fog

1. Popping Car Designs

Moss and Fog have used the AI generator tool “Midjourney” to bring together automobile design and architecture to create car designs inspired by famous architectural designers of the 20th century. By employing an AI-image generator, they have infused the essence of architectural marvels from around the world into a four-wheel automobile design. The design studio’s curiosity was centered on delving into the idea of “Imagine if acclaimed architects embarked on car design?”

Hailing from Spain, Antoni Gaudi i Cornet was a champion of Catalan Modernism, showcased through his distinctly personalized works in the sui generis style. His creations predominantly grace Barcelona, with the iconic Sagrada Familia church standing as a prime example.

Recognized as the “foremost American architect in history” by the American Institute of Architects, Frank Lloyd Wright has revolutionized our perception of modern constructions. His portfolio includes a staggering 1,114 architectural marvels, of which he brought to life a remarkable 532.

Frank Owen Gehry, a Canadian-American designer, has gained widespread acclaim for crafting some of the globe’s most iconic landmarks. His avant-garde approach to design is highly regarded within the architecture realm. In 2010, he was rightfully bestowed with the prestigious accolade of being named “the preeminent architect of our era” by the prominent Vanity Fair magazine.

Paying homage to Zaha Hadid’s distinctive design vocabulary, this avant-garde vehicle embodies her iconic design style. The AI tool beautifully integrates the concept of abstracted layers, similar to the series of modular steel panels with remarkable precision.

2. Sports Bikes

Designer: Coldstar Art

Shared among most superheroes is an iconic trait—an impressive set of wheels that elevates their heroic aura. Amid the enthusiasm for AI-crafted helmets and footwear, a latent aspiration lingered: a motorcycle seamlessly resonating with beloved superheroes. The AI-generated amalgamation of cars, crafted in renowned designers’ styles is a creative visualization of superhero sports bikes that have taken form, and the outcomes are truly astounding. The commendation largely rests on the Midjourney AI tool, collaboratively guided by the creator’s unique cues to generate the envisioned artwork.

3. Magic School Bus

Designer: Shail Patel

Some interesting concepts have been shaped using Artificial Intelligence and some designers’ wild imagination, which may someday become reality. The Mutated School Bus was created with the help of the AI design tool Midjourney and is both playful and functional and offers a practical mode of transportation. The bus looks like a rolling classroom with its multi-story stacked bus structure with the signature yellow color while its vertical form is a combination of circular, oblong, and square windows and rooms, that is reminiscent of the look of Minions and transforms into a fun mobile school where children can study while going around the city.

4. Gaudi’s Home Appliances

Inspired by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, these household appliance designs use an AI image generator to mimic Gaudi’s aesthetics when applied to everyday items. The best part about these designs is that they resemble museum pieces and can infuse charm into the kitchen with their flowing contours and unique textured surfaces. These designs blend neo-gothic, art nouveau, and modernist styles from toasters and mixers to vacuum cleaners and coffee machines.

Designer: Marcus Byrne

5. Imagining Transparent Products

Designer: Vadim Sadovski

Vadim Sadovski’s ‘Alternate Reality Retrofuturism’ series envisions a realm where steampunk and transparency meld into dominant design themes. AI tools like Midjourney played a pivotal role in bringing these imaginings to life and each product within this collection features a captivatingly intricate and chaotic otherworldly aesthetic. While the series exudes a mesmerizing visual frenzy devoid of a defined pattern, its allure is unanimous. Yet, retrofuturism encompasses more than mere transparency. It’s an amalgamation of retro and futuristic elements, with exquisite creations that seem plucked from a parallel universe. Notable examples, such as the Macintosh computer and Netflix TV, epitomize the successful execution of retrofuturism, at least in the visual sense.

6. iPhones in Ancient Civilizations

Designer: Niels (@appledsign)

The designs of these iPhones are deeply rooted in the echoes of our ancient civilizations. Each product encapsulates the fusion of form and function and pays homage to the timeless elegance and ingenuity of the past, drawing inspiration from cultures like the Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Chinese, and more.

7. Renaissance-inspired Mouse Designs

Designer: Str4ngThing

Influenced by concepts from the past, these computer peripherals draw inspiration from Renaissance-inspired designs. The mouse designs seamlessly integrates ergonomic precision with the aesthetics of a bygone era. As a result, the fusion of an old-world charm with modern functionality infuses a slice of history into the daily tools we use.

8. How About Renaissance-inspired Shoes Design?

Designer: Str4ngeThing

Designed by the AI artist Str4ngeThing, this collection of footwear showcases a variety of styles intricately capturing the intricate architectural and artistic nuances reminiscent of Renaissance Architecture. Crafted to mimic the appearance of finely sliced wood veneer or cork, these shoes showcase an abundance of intricate details. While typical footwear often aligns with the “less is more” principle, these Renaissance-inspired footwear concepts challenge this norm. In contrast to the simplicity seen in Chuck Taylors, Crocs, or Christian Louboutins, these designs embrace intricate complexity. Each shoe manages to encapsulate an entire era of iconic architecture within its compact structure. Although the AI-generated images might occasionally miss certain details and incorporate assumptions, the resulting visuals remain undeniably captivating.

9. Nike x Avengers Assemble

Designer: Paul Parsons

Amid the sea of Marvel merchandise, designer Paul Parsons has conjured a creation so compelling that I’m genuinely wishing it into reality. Collaborating with MidJourney’s innovative resources, these Marvel X Nike football sneakers exude the essence of the MCU’s iconic heroes and anti-heroes. Striking a balance between sporty footwear and a tribute to comic-book protagonists, these football boots boast standalone excellence even when detached from their context. Comprising a collection of 9 distinct footwear models, each dedicated to a particular character from the Avengers filmography… along with Wolverine.

10. Futuristic Fashion Accessories

Designer: Grant Franck

South African designer Grant Franck’s AI-generated product concepts intertwine gaming, introducing a captivating visual narrative. The assortment of AI-created products, spanning sneakers, helmets, backpacks, music players, and game controllers, weaves futuristic shapes reminiscent of computer games. The designer’s intent is to distance these items from the influence of “idols” and narcissism—likely alluding to popular brands shaped around personalities, often priced exorbitantly. The collection features vibrant designs harmonizing chrome, purple, green, and transparent hues, primed for discussion if they transition to reality. However, concerns arise over practicality and durability, particularly for sneakers and backpacks due to their seemingly delicate design. These accessories prioritize aesthetics over functionality, although they undeniably attract attention. Merging gaming items with fashion resonates with gamers, providing an alternative outlet beyond their consoles when they venture outdoors.

The post Top Ten AI-Generated Concepts Elevate Product Design to New Heights first appeared on Yanko Design.

You’ve got Foosball, you’ve got Mini Golf, but have you ever heard of mini billiards? This tiny (yet somewhat playable) LEGO billiards set from the mind of LEGO builder Golden Eye captures the grandeur of a full-scale billiards table, but at a fraction of the size. Built with all the trims and fittings (including pockets, a gutter, and a cue-stand), Golden Eye’s Vintage Billiards Table is an adorable tabletop build that you can potentially even interact with, playing a game on its faux plastic turf!

Designer: Golden Eye

Golden Eye’s MOC (My Own Creation) is a meticulously crafted homage to classic pool tables, incorporating both form and function in a way that LEGO enthusiasts and billiards fans alike will appreciate. It taps into the nostalgia of vintage recreational games while presenting an innovative challenge for builders. The table includes thoughtful design details, such as nets for catching balls, a built-in scoring system with chips, and hooks for accessories like a bridge stick. Every element is designed with precision to replicate the essence of a real billiards table, but in LEGO form.

The underneath tray is practical, offering a space to store additional balls, while also contributing to the table’s structural integrity. The cue stand on the side features both 9-ball and 8-ball racks, giving you the opportunity to explore different game styles, playable with the striped and solid balls that come with the table. As for the accessories, the inclusion of two chalks, two felt brushes, and even a hand-powder stone showcases the level of detail considered to make this as realistic as possible.

Although it isn’t possible to play a proper game on the table (the bricked surface is far too unreliable and the plastic balls have very little weight or inertia), you could totally engage with it on a purely fidget level, using it to pass time and probably settle quick wagers with friends/colleagues.

Golden Eye’s LEGO Vintage Billiards Table is currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas Forum, an online community for fans to share their own creative builds. With just under 2,000 votes, the entry is slowly making its way to the 10,000 vote mark, following which LEGO’s internal team considers it for review before deciding whether to turn it into a box set for people to buy. You can vote for the LEGO Vintage Billiards Table on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post This miniature LEGO Billiards Table comes with every accessory from cue sticks to powder cubes! first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’m a 90s kid myself, but the beauty of growing up in the 90s was to see sitcoms building on the success of great comedies of the 70s and 80s. I was raised on Full House, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, but also on the greats before it – Diff’rent Strokes, Small Wonder, Three’s Company, and Golden Girls. I was raised on these shows because of how mom would watch them on TV, while I hung around in the background, chuckling away at funny moments. Decades later, LEGO sets like these bring back that familiar feeling, as they capture the intricate details of our favorite shows. Designed by Martin_Studio, this fan-made recreation of award-winning show Golden Girls captures the iconic kitchen setting where protagonists Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia tackled important issues like aging and friendship in a way that was both relatable and uplifting.

Designer: Martin_Studio

“The Golden Girls won Emmys and Golden Globes, showcasing its quality and impact on television. The show’s clever writing, exceptional performances, and heartfelt storytelling have left an enduring legacy that continues to delight audiences,” says designer Martin_Studio. “A LEGO set based on the show would not only celebrate its remarkable history but also offer a unique way for fans to engage with it.”

Imagine building the iconic Miami home of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia with LEGO bricks. This fan-made set offers a detailed recreation of the show’s most recognizable rooms, from the cozy kitchen where countless conversations were shared over cheesecake to the sun-drenched lanai where the girls enjoyed their morning coffee. The minifigures, each with their own distinctive personalities captured through facial expressions and accessories, would allow fans to recreate their favorite scenes or create new adventures entirely.

Beyond the nostalgia factor, a Golden Girls LEGO set offers a delightful building experience for fans of all ages. Although Martin_Studio doesn’t declare how many pieces the set uses, it caters to both casual builders and experienced LEGO enthusiasts. The building process itself is a fun and engaging activity, allowing fans to relive cherished moments from the show while putting their creativity to the test. The kitchen scene even features studio lights on the top, bringing the feeling of being on set down to the small LEGO mini-scale.

The appeal of this potential set extends far beyond just fans of the show too. LEGO is known for its ability to bridge generations through its building sets, and a Golden Girls set could be a wonderful way for families to connect. Parents who grew up watching the show can introduce their children to the characters and themes in a new and interactive way, quite like the Full House LEGO Ideas set we covered just last month. Building the set together can spark conversations about friendship, aging, and the enduring power of laughter.

The LEGO Ideas Golden Girls set is currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas forum, where fans build and share their own creations with the global LEGO community. You can vote for the set on the LEGO Ideas website, and if it hits the 10,000 vote mark, LEGO might turn it into a retail kit for everyone to buy!

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Considered to be the biggest band on the planet (with nearly 80 million monthly listeners on Spotify), it’s sort of a shame that Coldplay still hasn’t gotten a LEGO set of its own. Getting your own LEGO set is almost a rite of passage to icon-dom, and we’re at a point where the Brit pop-rock band is well on its way to being immortalized in the brick form. LEGO master-builder MIKEYDENDEN decided to build is own kit based on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour, featuring the band members, two stages, and even hovering fireworks. With an official nod from Coldplay themselves, the fan-made build cruised past its 10,000 vote mark on the LEGO Ideas forum, and is currently being reviewed by the LEGO internal team. If things go smoothly, Coldplay could have its own official LEGO kit for fans to buy!

Designer: MIKEYDENDEN

I had the privilege of attending the Music of the Spheres tour during its Asian leg, and while the LEGO kit doesn’t even scratch the surface of how grand and awe-inspiring the production was, it’s definitely something. It has its own easter eggs, so to speak, with the presence of a main stage along with a smaller C-stage that the band often takes to in the middle of the show for acoustic covers of their songs. For added flair, you’ve even got fireworks at the top that go off during the songs Fix You, Sky Full of Stars, and right at the end of the show.

Zoom in deeper and the kit has a few more surprises, from butterfly and star confetti, to a colorful piano that Chris plays, ‘Believe In Love’ written on the stage backdrop, and Chris in his signature ‘Everyone Is An Alien Somewhere’ tee shirt.

The set obviously also has the usual suspects – band members Chris Martin, Will Champion, Guy Berryman, and Jonny Buckland all with their signature instruments. The only thing really missing here is the B-Stage, which extends off the main stage, connected through a ramp. The B-Stage is arguably where most of the action happens, as Chris performs on it, sometimes solo, and at other times with his crewmates. Given it’s the Music of the Spheres, it would also make sense to have some of the floating spheres that get thrown into the audience during the show! Maybe the redesign post LEGO’s internal review will feature these details.

The post LEGO Coldplay Music Of The Spheres Kit crosses 10,000 votes after being endorsed by the band itself first appeared on Yanko Design.

Anyone who’s visited Portugal has undoubtedly encountered the Ascendor da Bica… either in person or through a postcard, a fridge magnet, or perhaps a tourist recommendation. The Ascendor da Bica is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of Lisbon’s identity. Christened “The Bica Funicular,” it scales the steep hills of the Bica district with a unique charm. LEGO builder Peter_Designs’ creation reflects this spirit faithfully. The tram itself is a marvel of LEGO engineering, built at a 20.5-degree angle to mirror the real tram’s ingenious solution to conquer Lisbon’s challenging topography. This intricate build utilizes 2997 pieces (with 773 being dedicated to the cart alone), ensuring not only structural stability but also a remarkably accurate representation of the tram’s distinctive design.

Designer: Peter_Designs

The set extends beyond the meticulously crafted tram, offering a delightful recreation of the surrounding cityscape. With a staggering 2224 pieces dedicated just to the scenery, the build incorporates colorful buildings in a style reminiscent of Lisbon’s architecture. A detailed platform completes the scene, providing the perfect stage to display the tram in all its glory. The total piece count reaches a substantial 2997, promising a rewarding and immersive building experience for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

But the Ascensor da Bica’s appeal transcends its impressive brickwork. This set offers a unique opportunity to add a historical landmark with a touch of whimsy to your LEGO world. Imagine this iconic tram, painstakingly recreated in LEGO form, gracefully navigating the slopes of your existing LEGO City. The set even includes functional tracks, allowing you to integrate the tram seamlessly into your cityscape and transport minifigures (not included) on a scenic journey, just like their real-life counterparts.

Peter_Designs’ motivation behind this creation is evident – a love for Lisbon and a passion for LEGO. Their design choices reflect a deep appreciation for the city’s charm and the Ascensor da Bica’s undeniable appeal. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of wandering Lisbon’s cobbled streets and marveling at the Bica Funicular, or simply dream of visiting this vibrant city someday, this set offers a delightful way to celebrate Portugal’s rich heritage and experience the magic of Lisbon from the comfort of your home.

The Ascensor da Bica LEGO Ideas project is currently in the crucial stage of garnering support from the LEGO community. With enough votes from passionate LEGO enthusiasts like yourself, this little piece of Lisbon could become a reality for LEGO fans worldwide. Imagine gifting this set to a friend who has fond memories of Lisbon, or displaying it proudly in your home – a constant reminder of the beauty and ingenuity that LEGO bricks can bring to life! Head down to the LEGO Ideas website if you want to vote for the LEGO Ascensor da Bica.

The post Lisbon’s Iconic Bica Funicular Railway gets a stunning 2997-brick LEGO recreation first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the roaring twenties, a spirit of racing innovation coursed through Bentley. Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin, a charismatic Bentley driver, craved more power. Against company founder W.O. Bentley’s wishes, Birkin commissioned a supercharger for the revered 4½ Litre model. This modification, with its prominent belt-driven blower, became the hallmark of the “Blower Bentleys.” Though never achieving Le Mans glory, these machines, particularly the four “Team Blowers,” were renowned for their speed and Birkin’s daring races. Their imposing presence and signature whine cemented their place in automotive history, making the Bentley Blower an icon of pre-war racing elegance and raw power… and now a LEGO set is commemorating their 100th anniversary and their iconic design. Created by LEGO builder ‘N.ik.Le.go.’, the LEGO Ideas Bentley Blower captures the old-world glory of its predecessor, in a scaled-down format that still feels just as beautiful.

Designer: N.ik.Le.go.

Built to a 1:13th scale, this LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) uses 707 bricks, making it fairly uncomplicated compared to most other builds. The design cleverly combines classic LEGO® bricks with elements from the Technic range, allowing for a realistic recreation of the car’s shape and features.

Under the hood (which opens, of course!), you’ll find a detailed, non-functional representation of the car’s powerful engine. The exterior is equally impressive, with a dark green color scheme reminiscent of the original Bentleys and printed parts that add finesse. Look closely, and you’ll spot the British flag adorning the doors, a subtle nod to the car’s heritage.

A fan-made build, the Bentley Blower is a submission on the LEGO Ideas forum – an online dashboard where enthusiasts can build and share their own LEGO designs. The forum sees hundreds of submissions every day, with the community even voting for their favorites. The LEGO Ideas Bentley Blower currently holds a little over 800 votes, and needs to reach the 10,000 vote mark to be considered by LEGO’s internal team for retail production. If you want to see the Bentley Blower turn into a real box-set, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote now

The post LEGO replica of Pre-War Bentley Blower celebrates the Le Mans racecar’s vintage iconic design first appeared on Yanko Design.