Individual Analysis of Minifigure Skintones Released from 2018-2022
Figure 8. A bar graph showing the total number of Yellow minifigure parts from 2018-2022
The first color I chose to analyze was yellow due to how prominent the number of minifigure heads released each year though especially in 2019 looking at the figure above. It is clear that Lego’s most famous and standardized color would be among the most frequently released skin tone per year; however, it is important to note that many POC builders prefer to use shades more representative of their own. Likewise, most Lego builders in general appreciate the option to personalize their minifigures to represent their likeness as best as possible so while the variety of Yellow parts is very important Lego should definitely consider diversifying their other shades to represent the builder community.
Figure 9. A bar graph showing the total number of Light Nougat minifigure parts from 2018-2022
The number of Light Nougat parts peaked in 2018, as there has been a steady decrease every year. However, it is important to note that there were more Light Nougat parts released in both 2018 and 2021 compared to Lego’s most recognizable shade: Yellow. In that sense, it is clear that Lego prioritizes lighter skin tones when it comes to the number of minifigure head parts available to builders, as in no previous year has a darker skin tone been more frequently released compared to either Light Nougat or Yellow.
Figure 10. A bar graph showing the total number of Nougat minifigure parts from 2018-2022
In comparison to Light Nougat and Yellow, there have definitely been fewer Nougat pieces released though as the years progressed outside of 2020 it is important to note that there have been more parts available for builders.
Figure 11. A bar graph showing the total number of Tan minifigure parts from 2018-2022
There have been very few Tan parts released in the past four years although there was a noticeable peak in 2021 though the number dropped once again in 2022. The color Tan has often been used in character sets based on a famous series, so that could be a reason why the number of Tan parts is relatively limited.
Figure 12. A bar graph showing the total number of Medium Tan minifigure parts from 2018-2022
Medium Tan is a new addition to Lego skin tones, which is why minifigure heads in the shade were released in the past year; however, it is a positive trend to Lego’s initiative in creating a greater variety of flesh tones to represent more builders in the Lego community.
Figure 13. A bar graph showing the total number of Medium Nougat minifigure parts from 2018-2022
There has been an increase in Medium Nougat parts released in the past year; however, it is concerning to note that there were no pieces released at all in 2020. Overall, there should be more parts available for minifigures in this shade as one of the fewer darker skin tones available at all for builders.
Figure 14. A bar graph showing the total number of Dark Tan minifigure parts from 2018-2022
Dark Tan is another relatively newly introduced color; however, it is concerning that only one piece was released per year other than in 2021 after Lego introduced the new shade. In general, many darker skin tones were introduced later though Lego has not ensured that enough pieces are released per year for builders interested in using these flesh tones.
Figure 15. A bar graph showing the total number of Dark Orange minifigure parts from 2018-2022
There is a concerning negative trend in the number of Dark Orange parts released in the past four years with there being no new ones last year at all especially considering that Dark Orange is one of the darkest Lego colors available. There is a definite bias against darker skin tones, as Lego only releases one or two in a year if at all accentuating the lack of representation for POC builders, especially darker-skinned POC.
Figure 16. A bar graph showing the total number of Reddish Orange minifigure parts from 2018-2022
Out of all darker skin tones, Reddish Orange is the most frequent Lego shade released with a positive trend over the past four years. However, it is important to note that the most frequently released darker skin tone is around a quarter of the number of minifigure parts released in the most available lighter skin tone. This represents the reality of Lego’s lack of diversity and marginalization of POC builders, especially as more people look towards Lego to improve upon the biases in their products.
As stated previously, the lack of variety in darker skin tones along with the few number of parts released per year are indicative of the lack of options for POC builders when creating minifigures that represent themselves. Lego should address the racist biases in the lack of darker skintone minifigure parts especially as more POC builders express their concerns with the marginalization they experience in the Lego community.