ARTICLE: Set Design, Playability, and Other Considerations

[WesternOutlaw]

Set Design, Playability, and Other Considerations

What Do You Value More?

- An EB Trains & Town Article by TheBrickster

If you could design or buy the "Perfect Lego Set", most Lego enthusiasts would prefer a set that is nicely designed, contains awesome minifigs, has a high degree of playability, and contains elements of "Classic Town Design". Unfortunately, it is very difficult to capture all of these qualities in a single set. Lego does a pretty good job at offering sets that incorporate these various wants, but must take into account other factors including the age of the target audience, the retail price of the set, and the theme/competition of other construction toy companies; to name just a few.

The Historic Perspective

Lego has always offered "basic building" sets that don't contain minifigs. These sets are generally sold in larger tubs and boxes and appeal to a wide-variety of Lego builders as sets used to promote creativity and learning, as bulk-brick sets for adult fans of Lego (AFOL), and sets that can supplement a tabletown, but not generally used as a single town/city set. These sets created Lego's first market niche and the sets that many AFOL remember as children. These sets contain mostly standard bricks with just a few specialized pieces. In the more modern variety; Creator, the use of more specialized bricks has expanded. Although bulk sets are great for "generic building", I doubt many AFOL or children get excited to see a a new 1,000-piece Blue Tub or even a Creator Creature set. The minifigs and detail that we've grown to expect is lacking among these types of sets.

_{3033 Special Value Blue Tub - 1998}

_{4998 Creator Stegasaurus - 2008}

Mega Models

Over the past decade, Lego has enticed the advanced builder/AFOL by offering large, more complex models with outstanding design and detail. These sets, although not mini-fig scale, are valued for their design quality, but offer little in the way of playability. Rather, these sets possess "build-ability" and can be added to a Tabletown, but generally look better displayed in some other area within the house. The new term for these sets are "Exclusives" and in more recent years, the piece count and price tage of these sets has grown to un-obtainable levels, unless purchased by very serious AFOL. These are not sets that are purchased by parents wanting to give their child some Lego, and not generally found on store shelves.

_{10181 Eiffel Tower - 2007}

Lego's Modern Market Strategy

Only in the last couple years has Lego figured out the perfect recipe for capturing the eyes and pocket books of AFOL and the child who collects City sets. These sets include Lego's modular building collection: Cafe Corner and the Green Grocer. With a price point of $150 (USD) or more, they offer enough pieces for very nice detail, minifigs for play, and the look of a set that would look outstanding in any Tabletown. The main problem with these sets; however, is that set availability is again compromised as most retail/department stores will not fill store shelves with even a couple of these at a $150 price tag. They must be ordered from LSAH or purchased at a Lego retail store.

_{10185 Green Grocer - 2008}

Lego Factory

Another of Lego's strategies to capture a special market niche is their on-line Lego Factory and Lego Digitial Designer (LDD) software. Creative Lego builders can create their own models and purchase them from Lego Factory, printing their own instructions. A few Factory creations have been made into actual sets that can be ordered from Lego Shop at Home. These sets hold a higher price and piece count, but are nicely detailed appealing to the AFOL. More of these sets at a better price point may prove successful for Lego.

10200 Factory Custom Car Garage - 2008

The Fundamental Equation

Taking into account Lego's more recent market strategies, what is more appealing to you? Here are a few considerations (in no particular order) when buying a set:

Price (How much is it?)

Value (Is the set worth the price/piece or other value ratio?)

Playability (Will it give you some play or fun - swoosh value?)

Design (How is the overall quality of the design?)

Integration (Will it fit within my existing Tabletown or collection?)

Theme (Is it a theme I value or collect other sets to?)

Rating (How do other AFOL feel about this set?)

Visual Quality (How "cool" does it look? or does it look like a Classic Town set?)

Pieces (Does this set contain special pieces that you need or want?)

Minifigs (Does this set have minifigs that you want?)

Build (Do you prefer an easy or more complex build?)

Other Considerations (you may have other considerations when buying a set).

Considering these various questions, what do you consider more important when buying a set? Does the combination of all of these attributes equal a good set? Which of these attributes would you be willing to sacrifice for others? A moderate balance of all of these attributes is always good, but which is/are more important to you?

Share your thoughts...

[Shadows]

Great article!

I must confess, pre-dark ages, I appreciated the build of a set and the playability. Minifigs, specialty parts and just plain bricks all added to this equally.

I feel the deep need to mention the poor baseplate, though. We all appreciate them, yet we can't really get enough, can we? Stores barely stock them and LEGO doesn't include them in many sets anymore, so we're mostly out of luck. I've actually bought the occasional bucket because it had a baseplate in it. Not so much because I needed it, but just out of principle, crazy as that sounds. I appreciate getting one in a set, and I wish they'd get the message.

Uh... what was I saying?

Oh, right! I came out of my dark ages and found that my love of the minifig had grown. The minifig, to me, represents LEGO. Not the 2x4 red brick, not any of the other old standards. The minifig is it. As a result, I've gone more minifig crazy than ever before. Oh sure, I love a good set, but it's the minifigs that sell me.

The other side, for me, is the specialty part. I know people complain about them, but I love an unusual or printed part, and I'll buy them like crazy on Bricklink when I find a good deal. Literally, I might place an entire order of minifigs, minifig parts and specialty/printed parts.

Do you see the pattern here? The brick, much as it is the foundation of LEGO, is my least favourite part now, just as the big buckets of bricks mean less. I think LEGO realises that and has adjusted accordingly, and your wonderful article seems to back up that theory.

Have I finished writing yet? Geez...

Bottom line time. More minifigs. More specialty/printed (NOT stickered). More parts in new colours (not necessarily new colours, just parts in colours they haven't been made in before).

BASEPLATES.

Great job, TheBrickster!

Sorry I couldn't find a topic and stay on it.

[Eilif]

Price (How much is it?) -Not too important in that LEGO is already expensive accross the board.

Value (Is the set worth the price/piece or other value ratio?)- Kind of important, especially if I'm buying it for pieces.

Playability (Will it give you some play or fun - swoosh value?)- Not important

Design (How is the overall quality of the design?) -Very Important. Even if I buy it mainly for parts, I still build it.

Integration (Will it fit within my existing Tabletown or collection?)- Not too important, as my MOC'd town only uses TLG designed vehicles.

Theme (Is it a theme I value or collect other sets to?) -Important, but not as important as Design

Rating (How do other AFOL feel about this set?) AFOL's review of sets are informative, but their "feelings" about sets generally mean little to me.

Visual Quality (How "cool" does it look? or does it look like a Classic Town set?) Coolness is a factor, but that's really more of a "design" issue. Only collectors of Classic town really care if it looks like a Classic Town set, so that doesn't matter to me at all.

Pieces (Does this set contain special pieces that you need or want?) This is a big factor

Minifigs (Does this set have minifigs that you want?) This is more of a factor than I'd like to admit. Cool minifigs are a big selling point to me when I get a set.

Build (Do you prefer an easy or more complex build?) Not really a factor, I like easy and complex builds.

For me, I generally look for a set that appeals to me visually, and has good sets and figs. This is because while I enjoy the building process and seeing the completed results, if the pieces and figs aren't good, it won't add much to my MOCing.

Another great topic for discussion, Brickster. You did a very good job of laying out just about every factor that an AFOL would consider in a set. Once again, I think you may have overreached in trying for "article" status, but by all means, keep starting these stimulating topics.

[Teddy]

Dear TheBrickster,

This is a very interesting question indeed.

First let me consider your list:

Price (How much is it?)

Value (Is the set worth the price/piece or other value ratio?)

-I prefer a price point of 10 pcs per euro, unless there are special ellements such as a motor.

Playability (Will it give you some play or fun - swoosh value?)

-Only for airplane, or space ships sets do I consider this.

Design (How is the overall quality of the design?)

-When I don't like the design I might buy for the pieces.

Integration (Will it fit within my existing Tabletown or collection?)

Theme (Is it a theme I value or collect other sets to?)

-I try to collect certain themes and sometimes only buy to complete a collection,

unless i think a set is just to poorly designed.

Rating (How do other AFOL feel about this set?)

-Personnaly, I don't really care about the ratings of other AFOLs

Visual Quality (How "cool" does it look? or does it look like a Classic Town set?)

-for me it must look more or less "realistic" with nice little details.

Pieces (Does this set contain special pieces that you need or want?)

-this might convince me to buy

Minifigs (Does this set have minifigs that you want?)

-Yep I bought sets solely for the minifigs

Build (Do you prefer an easy or more complex build?)

-doesn't matter to me.

Other Considerations (you may have other considerations when buying a set).

-Does it contain new elements I can use for my current or planned MOC.

To sum it all up:

1.value

2.visual quality/design

3.Usefull pieces for MOCs

4.theme

5.minifigs

This is just my list. Kind regards,

Teddy

Edited October 1, 2008 by Teddy

[Shoc]

An interesting thought-provoking article, TheBrickster.

My views on this are almost exactly a mixture of your first two replies, and some of the third.

I admit I like sets cheap , and I will but them mainly for the pieces and minifigures. If the design is cool and the sets have nice techniques used in them, that will get me interested, but I will always be looking to the pieces. Regarding the design of the sets, I like buildings enclosed but accessible, and vehicles that look groovy. So long as I can use the pieces well afterwards in MOC's, but sometimes I will keep sets together if I really like them and can use them well. Minifigs in a set can really tempt me, also.

:skull:

Edited October 1, 2008 by Shoc

[WesternOutlaw]

Do you see the pattern here? The brick, much as it is the foundation of LEGO, is my least favourite part now, just as the big buckets of bricks mean less. I think LEGO realises that and has adjusted accordingly, and your wonderful article seems to back up that theory.

Excellent thoughts on the subject IS. I did not factor in the baseplate at all. It's interesting (and a little sad) that we've moved away from the standard brick.

Once again, I think you may have overreached in trying for "article" status, but by all means, keep starting these stimulating topics.

Although I appreciate your thoughts and honesty: "Once again"? What would you call it if not an "article"? Are you looking for a "HOW TO" or some kind of historic review?

To sum it all up:

1.value

2.visual quality/design

3.Usefull pieces for MOCs

4.theme

5.minifigs

Good list. I almost considered creating a poll, but wasn't sure how to best go about having each respondent rate each factor.

[Eilif]

Although I appreciate your thoughts and honesty: "Once again"? What would you call it if not an "article"? Are you looking for a "HOW TO" or some kind of historic review?

I'll PM you my suggestions. As you say, this should be focused on the topic at hand.

Edited to remove suggestions

Whatever you do, please continue to bring these interesting issues out for discussion When it comes to raising stimulating issues for discussion, you are one of Eurobricks' best.

Edited October 1, 2008 by Eilif

[WesternOutlaw]

As for the Article. I think that the internet has done much to water down the term "article". An article is basically an informative essay, and should have a clear topic, and should explore that topic in a structured way, especially an article on an Adult board. This article was a collection of good thoughts and observations, but was not cohesive or comprehensive enough for an Article. My comments:

Thank you for the compliment Eilif. I do enjoy bringing up various topics for suggestion, which is probably more important to me than creating a lengthy critical essay with only AFOL in mind.

As I haven't seen too many articles on EB, I would invite you to share an article that incorporates some of your suggestions.

[Eilif]

As I haven't seen too many articles on EB, I would invite you to share an article that incorporates some of your suggestions.

That's a good suggestion. I've got one that I'm working on, but I'm trying to get it into Brickjournal. Depending on how that works out, I'm definately hoping to work up something for EB in the future, but I want to make it just right.

One last thing, despite my comments on this one, some of your previous articles were great. The Town Building, and Collection Preservation articles being some notable examples.

[The Cobra]

Let's see...

Price (How much is it?) -> of course. I mean, we have the internet, we how much it should cost, so way pay more? And, with all the info we have, it's not that hard to find a good deal.

Value (Is the set worth the price/piece or other value ratio?) -> a good point, mostly to drop some sets not worth buying.

Playability (Will it give you some play or fun - swoosh value?) -> that would have counted 25 years ago. But I think there would be no problem playing with any of the sets I own if I were a kid today.

Design (How is the overall quality of the design?) -> not necessairly. If it's cheap, has some pieces I never owned, maybe a could minifig, who cares if it looks lame designed?

Integration (Will it fit within my existing Tabletown or collection?) -> no. If i like, it WILL fit.

Theme (Is it a theme I value or collect other sets to?) -> Sure. I'd love to own at least a set of each theme and subtheme.

Rating (How do other AFOL feel about this set?) -> no. I really like Vladek's encounter, but the poll shows many people don't. Oh well, whatever.

Visual Quality (How "cool" does it look? or does it look like a Classic Town set?) Maybe. Still, a set out of the box (and built by yourself) will usually look n times better than any of the pictures you've seen so far.

Pieces (Does this set contain special pieces that you need or want?) -> Yay! But that's a plus, not the main reason I'd buy a set for.

Minifigs (Does this set have minifigs that you want?) -> Yes. A new/cool torso, or wig, or head or accessory. That can make a difference.

Build (Do you prefer an easy or more complex build?) -> I open the bags, put all the pieces on the table, mix them and THEN start building.

Other Considerations (you may have other considerations when buying a set). -> It's an old set and I've been wanting it for years!

[WhiteFang]

Excellent article!

First of all, it's an enjoyable read for a well written article like this. Thanks Brickster.

Let me go through my thoughts and add on to yours,

What really get me going to buy and determine my LEGO sets? (Please note that my replies has extended out of Classic Town's range and given a conclusive answer on overall LEGO Selection.)

1) It will have to be minifigs. The attractiveness of the minifigs in terms of its overall appeal and integration of the minifigs into my collection of minifigs which I owned, by creating a play scene with endless possibilites. In addition, minifigs' design will have to look realistic, yet retain the beauty of it. That is the main selling point, of any LEGO sets. Without minifigs included, it will never be the same.

2) The theme overall concept must be creative and appealing to mass audience. It don't have to be something extraordinary. Something simple, modern and a little bit of imagination will likely to do the job even better. Yes, the current Castle Fantasy theme is ideal and is my biggest purchases ever bought for one single theme. I am a Castle collector, and this theme works well for me. Whenever a theme interest me greatly, I will not leave out a single set ever, and will go forward with mass multiple sets purchase such as army building sets to build a huge army of different weapons' battalion. Other themes, such as CITY and upcoming Pirates are my other themes' consideration as well. Why do I considered them? Looking at the 2009 pictures, they are listening to what fans like us, really wants. For sure, theme plays a major role in your selection, especially integrating the sets across various theme.

What I have done with my playsets, such as doing this various combinations. (Use your imagination)

--> Indiana Jones and Aqua Raiders

--> CITY, Batman and Agents

--> Castle, Vikings and Ninja

3) Next consideration factor, will be design. With minifigs and theme in place, if the design does not attract consumers, eventually it will still not attract enough purchases, especially multiple purchases. Let's take the recent Castle sets such as King Castle Siege and Dwarves Mine. Both of these sets are very good designs which has taken playability and concept into consideration. The sets which include a variety of buildings and vehicles must be spread out among the theme. Same for Classic Town and CITY, do both themes have anything in common? Of course they do, we need civillians, vehicles, buildings of different areas and interest. As you may agrued that cars' design for example, such as the lack of doors had always been one of the critical factors which we had complained about when compared against the older designs. Even though the return of doors will be a little harder, but the overall design and feel, must be able to combine to present an integrative look. To be honest, I had not try to play both eras together on a tabletop. Brickster, you had given me some inspiration to play with, to try out classic town buildings and current CITY theme, to be placed side by side on your table town. In fact, Creators set such as the Red House and Holiday Villa are great houses. I don't see why Classic Town citizens couldn't live in a bigger residence. All in all, it will have to depend the buyer itself, to determine its true design value

4) Pricing is a very senstive issue down here. Everyone will love to pay an affordable price for your dream LEGO set. To determine the pricing, everyone of us will have a price tag for every set which you are willing to pay for. Anything lower, will defintely be a bonus. Anything higher, will be something to considered. Same thing applys on your LEGO set, looking at the above 3 factors which I had highlighted, and place them into clear perspective and compare with your budget you had for this month, and asked yourself this question, "Are you willing to buy this set for any of the reasons above? If yes, just go ahead. If no or unsure, think about it and give yourself some thought. If price is the main factor, you will have to priortise your purchases and establish how much you want this set badly. 3

5) Value is your own perception. As long you see value in this set, that set will defintely have value. I can write my claims and enforce the recent Gas Station is a good set which reminds us of the old SHELL station set. However, others might not think that way. In simple words, your views on any sets will determine the "true value". No one can do that for you.

6) As for the rest of the factors, these are just secondary considerations and is not crucial in my selection purchase. Other things which I considered as sub factors, are baseplates and printed tiles. If I can think of any, I will add onto it.

I think I had written my reply in a very long and winding manner.

[Klaus-Dieter]

That's again a great and very interesting topic, TheBrickster!

I voted for Outstanding since this topic gives you all information you can think about when thinking about this topic and it gives matter for an interesting and on fact based discussion. Great!

For me the main aspects when I see a new set and think about whether to buy it or not are:

1. Price:

E. g. the awesome 10188 Death Star has an excellent design, includes a lot of amazing details and playability and a lot of great minifigs. But the price is simply to high that I can afford to buy it.

2. Value:

E. g. the amazing 10154 Town Plan (which I gladly own) has a very good price performance ratio when you compare it to other sets which cost 150 Euros.

3. Playability:

Since I regrettably haven't as much time as in former times I regrettably play only very seldom with my Lego sets. So what I momentarily understand under playability are more things like lovely accessory, vehicles - but in principle that's playabitlity.

4. Design:

For me a set shouldn't look too minimalist (ok, the new farm is - but I'll buy it anyway because it's really needed for my Lego City and because I don' think that we'll have to await many more farms in the nearer future) but it should even not be too detailed because then the classic "Lego feeling" disappears. Plus a very important thing is that houses have to include no backwalls but a very nice interior.

5. Integration:

This is very important for me, too. So e. g. I don't buy CC styled buildings (even not the great 10185 Green Grocer which includes some interior) because they contain backwalls. And interior as well as no backwalls in houses is an absolutely must for me since they otherwise don't fit in my Lego collection.

6. Theme:

E. g. next year's Pirates theme is simply brilliant (mainly the pirate ship looks awesome, very well deigned and has a very good price performance ratio) but since I don't collect Pirates (because of mainly money reaons but even of lack of room to store them) I - despite from the little Pirate Impulse set - won't buy these sets.

7. Visual Quality:

I generally prefer the classic style over the "cool" style of the regular sold buildings in the last ten years. But the main aspect is for me that there should be some difference in design to the other sets. The best is if you can get (or at least own after a while) some houses which are different in design - modern as well as classic.

8. Minifigs:

The selection and desgin of minifigs is very important, too. Mainly in the SW theme a new minifig can make me buying the set although I already own an older version of this set (which didn't include this minifig). In the City and Castle theme I'm supposably really a bit an old man since I overall prefer the "classic" minifig face over the "special" faces (fact only is that the "classic" face doesn't show any individual features and consequently can be used for a huge mass of minifigs - whereas having some minifigs with the same "special" face is sometimes a bit strange). New torsos are very welcomed, to. Plus the number of minifigs included in a set is very important. The more (new) minifigs, the better. (Here I detected a very strange and sad development in the City theme - apart from the exclusive sets the number of minifigs per set slank in the last years very much. )

That's it.

Klaus-Dieter

[Marko]

Again good article. I agree in most of the part with Klaus-Dieter and WhiteFang. Just to add some own thoughts.

1. Price and 2. Value :

Price is always relative and reflects the value it adds or actually the value id subtracts from the to be creation if it would be there. So I buy things if I like them regardless of the price.

3. Playability:

I have small children and they brought me back to LEGO. I have to appreciate their needs in my town creation. So the playability is important for me.

4. Design and 5. Integration :

It is important that the sets would fit creations that I have already. And as I like to have sets from 1978, so the CC though being nice and all does not fit my town.

6. Theme:

Pairing themes is a very good thing for sense of playability and diversity. I have Kimi Räikkonen and Felipe Massa there in my town, I plan to add Harrison Ford (not Indiana), etc. Probably even Bruce Wayne will see a possibility to join but not the Batmobil or other comics creations.

7. Visual Quality:

Aestehics are again very individual issue.

8. Minifigs:

Very important. They are the people for whom I create the town besides me and my kids.

[Deaddude]

Interesting :D

1. Price:

Always gonna be high, Value is a better indicator.

2. Value:

This is vital, but it depends on basically everything else- whether you're getting enough playability, pieces, or design for your dollar.

3. Playability:

So important! As a TFOL I don't law out the whole box of bricks and have a ball like I used to but each set has to at least be fun on its own to just mess around with minifigs and try out features and have cross-theme adventures.

4. Design:

For me a set shouldn't look too minimalist (ok, the new farm is - but I'll buy it anyway because it's really needed for my Lego City and because I don' think that we'll have to await many more farms in the nearer future) but it should even not be too detailed because then the classic "Lego feeling" disappears. Plus a very important thing is that houses have to include no backwalls but a very nice interior.

5. Integration:

As someone who can't buy too many sets, the -less- sets integrate the better, I'd rather my sets look good alone.

6. Theme:

Too personal to factor into reviews and stuff, but important in that it dictates my interest in playability and display

7. Visual Quality:

Depends. Some sets look fantastic but are statues, and some are loads of fun but unimpressive assemblages of buildings. Really, not that important to me beyond first impressions in buying a set.

8. Minifigs:

That goes with playability for me :D

I have noticed the complete lack of standard bricks. I've counted two 2x4 standard bricks in the past 10 system sets I've bought. Very interesting that the symbol of LEGO has been to reduced to literally just a symbol, for the most part.

-DD

[Section8]

Price

-Becoming less important the older I get. Though I would still be reluctant to spend $100 on a new set, when I could get an old set I want for the same price.

Value

-Should hit the 10 pcs/$1USD ratio, unless the piece mix prohibits that. Sculptures with basic bricks should be higher, sets with large or electric parts can be less.

Playability

-Not really a factor as I don't play any more.

Design

-The most important part. A lousy design in an otherwise favorite theme will be a turn off. Cut corners, too many <insert that tiresome argument> pieces, and just poor implementation are the biggest things.

Integration

-Also a large part. I'm a System Town guy. Cafe Corner building look great, but they don't go well with my town, so I haven't bought any. The new construction sets and 6-wide cars also do not integrate well. The next wave of City sets looks like they will.

Theme

-This goes without saying. If it's not a theme I care about, I am disinterested in it. I couldn't even describe to you one Bionicle, Racers, or Agents set. And I've seen Agents pics, but I knew I didn't like it, so don't remember them.

Rating

-Doesn't matter. While I appreciate the set reviews, members' ratings don't factor into whether I get a set.

Visual Quality

-I go for sets that generally resemble what's in my collection already. I do, however, own sets that are very cool looking, like the Maersk Sealand and the Boeing 787. But they have to be of something I like. Taj Mahal is something that is great looking but outside my tastes.

Pieces

-I don't buy on whether it has certain pieces, unless it offers several that are exceptional (light and sound sets are an example). Unless the piece has widespread utility, it should not be made (unique minifigs aside). Lightsaber hilts are a good example of of a new piece that has found widespread utility.

Minifigs

-Since I mostly buy town and nothing spectacular has been made recently, it's not really a factor. When I bought SW, I wanted as many aliens as possible, and bought to get those molds.

Build

-I am concerned that things are getting a bit simple, numbered bags and larger pieces and the like. More apparent is the increasing simplicity of the instructions. I remember when it wasn't uncommon to lay down 20 parts in a step. Now I haven't seen more than a few unless they are all the same part.

Other Considerations

-I also consider whether a similiar set exists from the most classic releases. Sometimes it doesn't matter if I am going for variety (I own multiple Octan gas stations from all eras), but in other cases, like the new construction cranes, I'd prefer the old versions.

[Rijkvv]

Well, what I think is important...

First of all the value. It' in general not a problem, overall the sets are worth the money. But some sets are way too expensive.

Design, also very important. Details can be great, like doors. I love the design of the early '90s sets, and would see they build more in that style. Also counts for me: the bigger the model, the more the details. I don't like the Beetle. They could make a much better shape, and at least add steering wheels. Look to the Beetle made by the Arvo brothers and you know what I mean.

Rating. I don't look many times to ratings. But somethimes I do. Watching reviews was a reason to buy the 6271 instead of 6280, and I was a happy man.

Pieces, maybe the most important thing of all. I like specialized pieces like patterned bricks, and some other pieces like tools too. But sets shouldn't contain specialized pieces for the main part. That's why I don't like Megabloks, but also don't like the big planes, one-piece-hull ships*, Power Miners and Bionicle. TECHNIC bricks should have at least some studded parts, it's what LEGO makes LEGO.

It may sound strange, but the containing of stickers can be a reason for me not to buy a set. It depends of what I hear from others (mainly about the quality (do the stickers fall of after a year)), and the use of stickers. The lights of the Ferrari 430 (and now the Lamborghini Gallardo) could be built with bricks. My opinion is that a set looks also reasonable without stickers. It is not that I never buy a set with stickers, but the sets I just noticed are way too overstickered.

*I like the floating ships from the early '90s, but those were one-vehicle sets, next to other sets with brick-built ships.

[eti]

Price (How much is it?)

Of course that's important. If it's 10 euros or less, I must just pick it up because I'm bored. If it's 100 euros or more, it's a well thought over to decision to actually buy that expensive set.

Value (Is the set worth the price/piece or other value ratio?)

Very important. One of the latest star wars is 80 euros for less than 400 parts. That means I don't buy it, period.

Playability (Will it give you some play or fun - swoosh value?)

No, as an adult I don't really play with it, and I don't buy sets for my kids yet.

Besides, the whole idea of playing with a set never occurred to me as a kid. I built the sets and then couldn't wait to knock them down again in order to build something I could actually play with. I have always considered sets as examples to get you going, never as ends in themselves.

Design (How is the overall quality of the design?)

I always saying I buy sets for the parts, but I also enjoy sets that have great design, which makes it fun to build. So yes, this is important.

Integration (Will it fit within my existing Tabletown or collection?)

Huh? All Lego integrates with all other Lego doesn't it? That's the whole point of Lego, isn't it? Oh well, I would not get a Scala dollhouse because of the ridiculous studs.

Theme (Is it a theme I value or collect other sets to?)

I like certain themes better han others but I don't really care what theme a set belongs to.

Rating (How do other AFOL feel about this set?)

Don't care.

Visual Quality (How "cool" does it look? or does it look like a Classic Town set?)

see design - what's the difference?

Pieces (Does this set contain special pieces that you need or want?)

That's important. To me a set is mainly a box of pieces with a suggestion on what to build, so pieces is what I get a set for.

Minifigs (Does this set have minifigs that you want?)

See pieces. But cool minifigs are an extra wow factor, of course.

Build (Do you prefer an easy or more complex build?)

Don't care. Build once and never again.

Other Considerations (you may have other considerations when buying a set).

Not that I can think of.