I let an AI design LEGO-style models, then wrote code that decides whether they're allowed to exist

In September, a single individual launched four iOS apps; however, Brickium proved to be the most challenging. The concept behind Brickium revolves around listing the bricks one already owns, specifying the desired model (such as a small car with four wheels), and having the AI design a model using only those parts. The 3D instructions then provide step-by-step guidance on assembling the model.

Despite the AI's role in proposing designs, a separate non-AI checker validates three critical aspects: the presence of every part in the user's inventory, the absence of overlapping bricks, and ensuring each brick is supported and connected. If the design fails to meet these requirements, the user never gets to see it, and there is no charge incurred.

The author discovered that offering detailed repair hints can enhance weaker models while potentially negatively impacting stronger ones. Additionally, error messages needed to be tailored for each specific model rather than having a uniform approach. The decision-making process behind determining whether a model could be successfully built was made deterministic, which made it less engaging but essential for ensuring that the model would actually be constructible.

The time it took for the app to generate a design was approximately 40 seconds. During the demo presentation, the author intentionally shortened the wait time, as it was felt that the length of the wait added little value to the demonstration. The current limitations of the app include a restricted set of 29 basic part types available in 20 different colors, resulting in small and blocky models.

The app interface is available in both English and Chinese, targeting an adult audience, although it is designed to allow children to participate in the building process. The app can be accessed on the App Store through the following link: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6812500807.