You brought up a good point Tarik. There are many other contests that incorporate actual real builds using real pieces. LEGO ideas is more about designing in order to create something that is marketable and in agreement with the LEGO brand values. It's true it can be more work to design a digital version of a set, but it can be done if you have access to the technology. You can't really play test something that is designed digitally, so there are advantages and disadvantages either way. Also, no two people have the exact same number of LEGO bricks to work with. Some have less than 100. A digital designer opens up the playing field to those who have a limited real piece collection.
J.T.
You brought up a good point Tarik. There are many other contests that incorporate actual real builds using real pieces. LEGO ideas is more about designing in order to create something that is marketable and in agreement with the LEGO brand values. It's true it can be more work to design a digital version of a set, but it can be done if you have access to the technology. You can't really play test something that is designed digitally, so there are advantages and disadvantages either way. Also, no two people have the exact same number of LEGO bricks to work with. Some have less than 100. A digital designer opens up the playing field to those who have a limited real piece collection.