My favourite LEGO designer detail: to reduce manufacturing complexity, LEGO limits amount of new pieces that an employee can make. To enforce this policy, LEGO has an internal currency called “frames” that designers have to spend for new pieces or colors. Since “frames” are a scarce resource, designers try to find creative ways to use old pieces or they will pool their “frames” with other designers and aim to make new pieces that can be used across many new sets. At its peak — and during a near bankruptcy crisis — LEGO made 12,000 different parts at its peak but got too confusing. It’s down to ~7,000 now. *** More details on “frames” from The Verge: