Duplo® Simulation for Introduction of the Last Planner System®

Faced with the challenge to facilitate a 45-minute interactive session for a large group to introduce key concepts of the Last Planner System®, a new hands-on simulation has been developed using a design thinking approach. The simulation is designed for teams of nine participants using DUPLO® bricks. Gamification and serious game theory were integrated into lessons from earlier lean simulations to develop an experience that is engaging, informative, and educational. Key concepts to be introduced were identified including collaborative planning with those doing the work, visual planning and management, identification of key and interim milestones, pull (reverse) planning, identification of activities and hand-offs, forward pass of overall plan, working the plan, and reflection for continuous improvement. A first run study was conducted with 32 participants in August 2024 followed by a roll-out at scale for 80 participants at the 2024 Lean Construction Institute Congress in October. Subsequently, this simulation has been used successfully with project teams to introduce Last Planner System® principles.