Posted on 06/14/2013 6:11:16 AM PDT by JoeProBono
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, - Researchers in New Zealand said they analyzed the facial expressions on Lego figures from the past 35 years and discovered the faces have been getting angrier.
The team, from the University of Canterbury and the Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements, said their analysis of Lego figures found most facial expressions could be categorized as happiness, anger, disdain, confidence, concern or fear, with happiness and anger being the most common.
The study, published in Proceedings of the First International Conference on Human-Agent Interaction, found angry expressions on Lego figures have become increasingly common since the early 1990s, while happy expressions have become less common.
"The work presented in this paper can lead other researchers in the field of understanding the science of play to investigate further the influence the Lego Minifigures ' facial appearance have on Lego users over time," the study's authors wrote. "We believe that the extensive and elaborate designs of faces on Lego Minifigures can also inform the designers of other agents, such as computer game characters and robots.
Just knowing that this kind of research is being done and funded makes me feel much more secure today. Thanks for the heads up.
"LEGO has warped my fragile little mind!!!"
Sponsored by the IRS? That would explain #1 on the The Six Clusters of Faces.
At least a couple of those are intended to resemble actors or characters in movies and other media, and would not be found in a non-media-related playset. I think #2 and #6 are from an “avengers” or similar “superhero” set/series, and #1 and #3 from sci-fi/fantasy movie sets/series.
(Uncle of several Legomaniacs ages 3 to 14, mostly boys)
His face tells me he just realized he just ripped a hole in his radiation suit.
JOE!!!!!
At least I know which FReeper gives me a laugh. :P
Hey Joe, has anyone accused you of advocating angry Lego figures yet?
I wonder if they have a Lego ‘Rage Boy’ in the middle east?
There was a Lego series years ago called Alpha Team. The explosives expert had a look on his face that could best be described as “Frikkin’ Crazy”.
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