This paper presents how modular construction systems are used in product development projects for mechanical engineering students to rapidly generate and evaluate different concepts. The method can also be implemented in the industry for the same purposes.

The method is demonstrated with LEGO for three applications – a lifting mechanism, a foldable bicycle and a remote controlled cup mover. Several concepts were built and evaluated for each of the three applications.

The possibility to evaluate each concept with a physical prototype increased the information that the students had when they chose which concept they would develop further. One drawback was that some students required a few hours of LEGO handling to feel confident when they assembled technical solutions.