Lego Succumbs to Supply and Demand
The Associated Press reports that the Lego Group will eliminate "1,200 of its worldwide jobs to remold itself in an era when kids prefer playing with electronic gadgets." For the under 10 crowd, a Gameboy playing Pokemon is a status symbol, as well as the entry into "grown-up" action games. Some researchers have said that electronic games can increase the acumen of players. I understand the business logic behind the Lego Group's decision.
I remember my 25-year old, Web developer son building Lego cities when he was four. Colorful, architectural wonders that paralleled the best designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. Each Lego city became grander products of his imagination.
As he graduated from Lego blocks, he became fascinated with how things worked. He took apart worn-out appliances, in order to put them back together. As an adult, he sees what could be, rather than what is.
Selfishly, I don't want the Lego Group to forget their roots. Business thrives in relationship to the innovation of their people -- many of which learned the art of discovery while playing with Lego blocks.