Sten Schmidt
Sten Schmidt | |
|---|---|
 Sten Schmidt in 2019 | |
| Born | 16 February 1952 |
| Died | 17 July 2025 (aged 73) |
| Occupation | LEGO designer |
| Years active | 1979−2021 |
Sten Schmidt (16 February 1952 − 17 July 2025)[1] was a Danish toy designer who worked as a product developer at the LEGO Group from 18th January 1979 to 2021. He started his career working at LEGO Futura ApS after graduating as an architect.[2] One of his largest contributions to the LEGO story is the Technic liftarms without studs.
Biography
Sten Schmidt began working at LEGO in 1979, working at LEGO Futura. Initially he was assigned to a secret project focused on creating new construction systems for children, but the project never materialized.[2]
His next endeavour was Lego Dacta in 1981, which led to his first published LEGO set [Needs set number].
Sten found his calling in the LEGO Technic group in 1984, where he became a team leader for a group focusing on LEGO Technic sets for a younger audience. His tasks included developing new concepts, elements and models, and participating in target markets. He also participated in securing patents for the inventions he was involved in. Schmidt is credited with designing over 70 LEGO elements.[3] Sten became close friends with Jan Ryaa during his time at LEGO Technic's department.
In 2002, Sten was assigned to the Design Lab.
Sten and Jan Ryaa both retired and walked out the door on the same day in 2021 after a long and successful 42-year career at the LEGO Group.[4]
Schmidt died on 17 July 2025.[3] His funeral was held at Grindsted Church on 25 July.[1]
Product involvement
Parts
- Technic liftarms (Needs clarification - did he create ALL of them including the bent and L-shaped ones?)
Sets
- Needs sets defined here
- 8865 − Test Car (1988)[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Mindeside for Sten Schmidt". Dødsannoncering. Nordic Funeral. 23 July 2025. Archived from the original on 1 September 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Korsholm, Jacob Bang (17 January 2019). "40-års jubilar startede på et hemmeligt projekt". Horsens Folkeblad (in Danish). Archived from the original on 29 September 2023.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Hancock, Graham (July 21, 2025). "LEGO Technic pioneer Sten Schmidt passes away". Blocks. Sutton, London: Silverback Publishing Ltd. Archived from the original on September 1, 2025. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
- ↑ "Two LEGO icons say goodbye after 90 years of combined experience". LEGO.com. 22 April 2021. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023.
