The strange science behind Lego's tiny computers

Lego-sized control panels can help us understand the visual clues and other design tricks that separate the intuitive from vexing.

Many toy blocks in different colors making up one large square shape in top view. Toys and games. Le...

Shutterstock

What can Lego control panels teach us about design? User interface designer George Cave documented on his blog how he bought 52 computer interfaces from Lego marketplace BrickLink to try and learn more about what makes a good panel design.

.s1273318666{background-image: url(https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2020/8/11/ac67ac25-6451-42d3-9490-e57109fc86a8-3039p34.png?w=414&h=736&fit=null&crop=null&duotone=fd2203%2C00b2ff&dpr=2)}@media(min-width:768px){.s1273318666{background-image: url(https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2020/8/11/ac67ac25-6451-42d3-9490-e57109fc86a8-3039p34.png?w=768&h=1350&fit=null&crop=null&duotone=fd2203%2C00b2ff&dpr=2)}}@media(min-width:1025px){.s1273318666{background-image: url(https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2020/8/11/ac67ac25-6451-42d3-9490-e57109fc86a8-3039p34.png?w=2000&h=1090&fit=null&crop=null&duotone=fd2203%2C00b2ff&dpr=2)}}

BrickLink

George Cave

Tap