latest LEGO set targets adults to improve their mental wellbeing

LEGO is on a mission to reduce stress and anxiety among adults. the danish toymaker’s latest range – called forma – incorporates sturdy rods and parts to build the skeleton of a fish, combining this with customizable skins. the idea behind it is that combining organic forms and mechanical complexity could help to improve wellbeing among adults.

images courtesy of LEGO

the forma line uses several LEGO technic elements – a variety used to create more advanced models with more complex technical functions – to form the skeleton of a fish. each set comes with paper skins that can be colored in whatever way the builder wants before being applied to the body. a crankshaft can be turned to engage a series of gears that make the fish wiggle as it would in real life. 

forma is essentially half build, half coloring book – a clever combo of child’s activities given that adult coloring books have recently gained popularity for their stress-relieving abilities. the objective is to tap into the creativity of adults whilst helping them to minimize the effects of everyday pressures.

aligning the range with LEGO’s open innovation platform, as pioneered by LEGO ideas, it has decided to crowdfund the project. so far it has rasied $1.4 million, 1,334% of the original target. the sets are currently selling for $46 each on indiegogo (with a $66 market price). the base set comes with a koi fish skin, but LEGO will sell other skins–like a shark or a splash koi fish for $15 each.