LEGO Icons 10356 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D is a feat of engineering, but the most complex part stems from seemingly simple graphic design.
Both LEGO Designer Hans Burkhard Schlömer and LEGO Graphic Designer Crystal Marie Fontan appeared at Fan Media Days to present 10356 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, offering insight into not just the LEGO design and building techniques of the set, but also the graphic design work. Indeed, the creation of the first LEGO Star Trek set resulted in some of the most complex graphic work that Crystal had ever worked on – but to great effect.
"At first glance, the deflector dish might look like a simple graphic, but it really was one of the most complicated graphics I've ever created," explained Crystal. "Because I needed to emulate glowing lights in our design language.
"It took many tries, many nightmares, many conversations back and forth to get this right, and I really think that it enhances the whole model. It actually shows that it's engaged."
When Matthew got his hands on 10356 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D in person in Billund, he described the element as 'very, very nice'.
"I like this a lot," he went on. "This is one of the new elements that took quite a lot of work. It's truly gorgeous."
The element in question recreates a dish-shaped force beam generator containing subspace accelerators, used to deflect (it's in the name) microscopic particles when the starship is travelling at warp speeds. At such high velocity, even tiny particles can cause significant damage, making the deflector a vital part of the ship.
In terms of LEGO building, it brings a splash of vivid colour to what might otherwise be a large grey dish. Just as Crystal points out, the finessed graphic design on the printed element really does look like the dish is engaged. Combined with the angled display stand, it makes 10356 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D truly look as though it's in flight, rather than a flat static display.
This printed element is an excellent example of how great graphic design can work hand in hand with great LEGO design. The two work together for a dynamic model, demonstrating what a difference unique printed elements can make, especially on a set of this scale.
LEGO Icons 10356 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D is set to engage on LEGO.com and in stores on November 28, retailing at £349.99 / $399.99 / €379.99. Early adopters will also get 40768 Type-15 Shuttlepod at no extra cost between November 28 and December 1, or while stocks last.
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