You use other senses than vision. When planning you engage with your tactile senses and spatial sense. Probably there is also some "rite" factor which increases your commitment. You have to get up from your chair, come to lego board and change the bricks :)

There is an inspiring book by Pragmatic Programmers - Pragmatic thinking and learning. It recommends engaging with other senses to improve your cognitive / creative abilities. For example they recommend using LEGO bricks to "materialize" your SW architecture or processes.

I agree the coolness factor is great :) I love the idea synchronization. Great job! (even if it was made just to attract an audience).