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As a lifelong Star Wars fan, this genuinely made me smile.

By Dr. Atif Ghaffar·30 March 2026
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, this genuinely made me smile.

Originally posted on LinkedIn

As a lifelong Star Wars fan, this genuinely made me smile. There’s something magical about building an X-Wing or TIE Fighter as a child… and now hearing the sounds specifically designed for that moment. Not just generic effects — but intentional sonic storytelling. Reading Elysha Zaide’s reflection on leading the LEGO SMART Play sound design team — and visiting Skywalker Ranch — gave this even more meaning. For anyone who grew up mesmerised by Ben Burtt’s sound design, this feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. The hum of an engine. The ignition of a lightsaber. The subtle mechanical whirr of a droid. Sound is what made that galaxy feel real. To see it thoughtfully embedded into physical play — without screens — is brilliant. Experiential storytelling… at kid scale. Well done to Elysha and the entire LEGO SMART Play team. #LEGO #StarWars #SoundDesign #SMARTPlay #Storytelling #ImmersiveExperience
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