In this podcast, host Dr Anna Volkmer explores the use of Lego Serious Play as a research tool / methodology in dementia and neurodegenerative disease studies.

Traditionally used in therapy and organisational development, Lego Serious Play is now finding its way into the research world—helping researchers, participants, and stakeholders express complex ideas, foster collaboration, and build deeper insights (literally and metaphorically).

Anna is joined by a panel of expert guests Dr Warren Donnellan, University of Liverpool – a trained facilitator of Lego Serious Play who applies it to resilience and carer research. Dr Alys Griffiths, University of Sheffield – who has integrated the method into dementia studies and her work in Motor Neuron Disease. Dr Joe Langley, Sheffield Hallam University – known for combining design thinking and participatory research methods, including Lego Serious Play, in health and care settings.

Together, they explore the origins, applications, and benefits of this playful method, share case studies, and reflect on how building with Lego can break down communication barriers and empower participants—particularly those with dementia.

Topics covered:

• What is Lego Serious Play and how does it work in research?
• Insights into resilience and the carer experience
• Using play to unlock communication in dementia research
• How design thinking intersects with health research

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

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