What makes a good Ideas project?

Modeltrainman

I'd love to start a dialogue about what makes a LEGO Ideas project successful. People always say 'build what you're passionate about," and many people do, but it's still difficult. What makes a project eyecatching enough to gain supporters?

Mr_Cross

• existing fanbase or enthusiasts, irrespective of being a LEGO fan
• license, IP, iconic subject possibly/preferably with a nostalgia component
• phenomenal build, be it size, techniques or accuracy/depiction
• great photography
• colour choices
• dedication of builder in continually promoting their idea
• USP - I dislike the acronym, but I think this might be the most important factor for LEGO

Modeltrainman

USP?

benbacardi

Modeltrainman said:

USP?

Unique Selling Point - what makes it different to everything else already available?

Modeltrainman

Ah. And, how should someone promote without appearing annoying?

Astrobricks

Modeltrainman said:

Ah. And, how should someone promote without appearing annoying?

Don’t spam message boards with multiple pleas to support one’s project. 

klinton

Personally, the sets I've supported and/or purchased offered me something no other Lego set has. Either a unique favorite IP or an innovative build (sometimes both, like with Voltron, Tron, and the Flintstones).

99.9999% of the ones that seem to hit 10 000 seem to come down to presentation though. They're dynamically photographed (or rendered), with constant updates to the design and genuine enthusiasm from the designer. It's important to get the ball rolling with one's own enthusiasm. Offer up something you're especially proud of, something that you fully expect Lego to sell exactly as is, and would rush to purchase yourself. /two cents

Modeltrainman

@klinton Thank you! @astrobricks: Trying to be careful about that, thanks!

benbacardi

klinton said:

99.9999% of the ones that seem to hit 10 000 seem to come down to presentation though. They're dynamically photographed (or rendered), with constant updates to the design and genuine enthusiasm from the designer.

I have to second this. Good (or at least decent), clean photography - clear backgrounds, shot in a light box etc, or digitally rendered images will definitely get people's attention more than the model photographed on your carpet with your washing in the background 😉 

See how Lego present the photos/renders of their own sets in official images, and try to emulate that. Take multiple angles and detail shots that show off the delight in the set. And update regularly with any tweaks and changes you've made, or new photos. 

CCC

Either a well designed license free model in a style that LEGO does not currently provide or a large model from a well known license with a large fan base. Whether they pass review is another matter.

Modeltrainman

Thanks everyone!

KungFuKenny

@Modeltrainman
have you made any progress on the train?

Modeltrainman

@KungFuKenny
Yup! Just need to get better pictures! And replace a Technic 1/2 bushing. But here it is currently.