Lego Design byME was a service connected with the construction toy Lego. Using this service, people could design their own Lego models using a computer program, then upload them to the Lego website, design their own box design, and order them for actual delivery. The brand also covers a small selection of products that have been designed by Lego fans, and which were available to purchase as a set.
System
Lego Design byME was created for people to build and experiment with virtual Lego bricks. This is done on a program called Lego Digital Designer. Models are uploaded to Design byME on the Lego website, and creations can either be shared with the world in the gallery or purchased as a custom Lego set.
Pricing
When purchasing models from Lego Design byME, the price was significantly high compared to store-bought Lego sets, leading consumers to believe that the prices were unreasonable. However, the price was divided into a few different parts. These are listed below:
A service fee, which includes the handpicking of bricks and producing a custom made box.
The cost of the bricks, which is based on the amount as well as the types of bricks in the model.
Standard shipping fees.
The optional building guide does not produce any additional fee.
Design byME did not accept returns due to its classification as a custom service.
Lego Digital Designer
As part of the Design byME service, Lego has produced a computer program called Lego Digital Designer, which allows people to design a virtual Lego model using a selection of virtual Lego bricks. These models can be saved locally, as well as uploaded to the Lego website for sharing and ordering as a physical product.
Discontinuation of service
In late 2011, Lego announced that it would discontinue its Design byME service in its current form forcing people to buy Lego models that are designed by the developers or build their models from scratch. As of January 16, 2012, models created in Lego Digital Designer can no longer be purchased directly as LEGO Design byME sets. This does not affect the HERO Recon Team Hero Creator range of products. Lego has confirmed that it will continue Lego Digital Designer as a free design software, and it will also keep its Pick-a-Brick service operational. Lego claims that Design byME has proven to be "too complex for children", and that despite its success, "the overall Design byME experience has struggled to live up to the quality standards for a LEGO service".
