Design quirks/hallmarks of 2006-2008 sets?

[jedisquidward]

Hello,

There's been a small community of "Classic Style" creations which try to mimic the general design styles of a specific Lego period; such as this one from @The Brick Stop which mimics 1999-2003 Lego Star Wars.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnRAkI7Lt44/

It's not as simple as older designs having "less detail" compared to today's sets; there's a different design sensibility as a whole. More than just not having certain pieces available, there is a very specific focus on larger pieces in this era, among a number of other things.

My question is: What are some of the design quirks in general of sets in the roughly 2006-2008 (or even 2005-2009) era?  I'm trying to make a MOC that follows that "feel", but because this is the era I grew up with, it's a lot harder to notice the specific design sensibilities of these sets compared to some other ones. The sometimes clunky forcing of Bionicle elements is the only thing that really stands out to me.

Thoughts?

Edited September 11, 2023 by jedisquidward

[Peppermint_M]

I can only really suggest that the build style is a little more simplistic, there is more "basic" brick stacking instead of using hinges/clips and SNOT methods and as you mentioned, larger parts like a panel with a window instead of a brick created shape.

There has been an influx of AFOLs into TLG over the last decade or so, who design with techniques developed outside of the demands of the company but can have them fit the ideals and principals of a set design. All I can suggest is checking out some older instructions and set photos and brace yourself for a lot of critical comments. That era of sets is still on the periphery of us AFOLs who use forums the most, a Dark Age start for some even. 

Though, I am feeling aged by your comment of growing up with them. Even though teenaged me was buying LEGO still (no dark age, I was and am a real nerd) so I know the sets and even have some of them, they were not part of my childhood LEGO. Heck, I joined the forum in 2008! 

 

[Lyichir]

Do you have a specific theme in mind for this sort of MOC? I feel like looking at sets from that particular theme (or a similar one) in that time period would give you a better idea of the kinds of design language and tropes you could try to emulate. For example, if you are planning a castle MOC then looking at themes like Knight's Kingdom II, Vikings, or early Fantasy Castle could give you some inspiration.