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{{Short description|Design approach}}
{{about|a design approach|factory built structures moved in modules|Modular building}}
[[File:Framework Laptop - the Design Museum.jpg|thumb|A [[laptop]] that is designed to be modular]]
'''Modular design''', or
==Overview==
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Modular design inherently combines the [[mass production]] advantages of [[standardization]] with those of [[Personalization|customization]]. The degree of modularity, dimensionally, determines the degree of customization possible. For example, solar panel systems have 2-dimensional modularity which allows adjustment of an array in the x and y dimensions. Further dimensions of modularity would be introduced by making the panel itself and its auxiliary systems modular. Dimensions in modular systems are defined as the effected [[parameter]] such as shape or cost or lifecycle. Mero systems have 4-dimensional modularity, x, y, z, and structural load capacity. As can be seen in any modern convention space, the space frame's extra two dimensions of modularity allows far greater flexibility in form and function than solar's 2-d modularity. If modularity is properly defined and conceived in the design strategy, modular systems can create significant competitive advantage in markets. A true modular system does not need to rely on product cycles to adapt its functionality to the current market state. Properly designed modular systems also introduce the economic advantage of not carrying dead capacity, increasing the capacity utilization rate and its effect on cost and pricing flexibility.
==
=== In vehicles ===
{{See also|Electric vehicle|Wikispeed| open-source vehicle}}
[[File:2010-04-07 Unimog at Arthur Ibbetts machinery dealership.jpg|thumb|The modular design of the [[Unimog]] offers attachment capabilities for various different [[List of agricultural machinery|implements]].]]
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A simple example of modular design in cars is the fact that, while many cars come as a basic model, paying extra will allow for "snap in" upgrades such as a more powerful engine, [[vehicle audio]], [[car seat#Climate control and ventilation|ventilated seats]], or seasonal tires; these do not require any change to other units of the car such as the [[chassis]], steering, [[electric motor]] or battery systems.
=== In machines and architecture ===
{{main
Modular design can be seen in certain buildings. Modular buildings (and also modular homes) generally consist of universal parts (or modules) that are manufactured in a [[factory]] and then shipped to a build site where they are assembled into a variety of arrangements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://architecture.about.com/cs/buildyourhouse/g/modular.htm|title=Modular home definition|access-date=2010-08-19|archive-date=2011-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808021728/http://architecture.about.com/cs/buildyourhouse/g/modular.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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For example, an [[office]] building can be built using modular parts such as walls, frames, doors, ceilings, and windows. The interior can then be partitioned (or divided) with more walls and furnished with desks, computers, and whatever else is needed for a functioning workspace. If the office needs to be expanded or redivided to accommodate employees, modular components such as wall panels can be added or relocated to make the necessary changes without altering the whole building. Later, this same office can be broken down and rearranged to form a [[retail]] space, [[conference hall]] or another type of building, using the same modular components that originally formed the office building. The new building can then be refurnished with whatever items are needed to carry out its desired functions.
Other types of modular buildings that are offered from a company like Allied Modular include a [[guardhouse]], machine enclosure, [[press box]], [[conference room]], two-story building, [[clean room]] and many more applications.<ref>[
Many misconceptions are held regarding modular buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://icon-construction.com/2014/08/top-5-myths-modular-construction/|title=modular building|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140917142328/http://icon-construction.com/2014/08/top-5-myths-modular-construction/|archive-date=2014-09-17}}</ref> In reality modular construction is a viable method of construction for quick turnaround and fast growing companies. Industries that would benefit from this include healthcare, commercial, retail, military, and multi-family/student housing.
=== In computer hardware ===▼
[[File:Xi3 modular computer 01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Modular computer design]] ▼
Modular design in computer hardware is the same as in other things (e.g. cars, refrigerators, and furniture). The idea is to build computers with easily replaceable parts that use standardized [[interface (computing)|interfaces]]. This technique allows a user to upgrade certain aspects of the computer easily without having to buy another computer altogether.▼
A computer is one of the best examples of modular design. Typical [[computer module]]s include a [[computer case|computer chassis]], [[Power supply unit (computer)|power supply units]], [[Central processing unit|processors]], [[mainboard]]s, [[graphics card]]s, [[hard drive]]s, and [[optical drive]]s. All of these parts should be easily [[interchangeable parts|interchangeable]] as long as the user uses parts that support the same standard interface.▼
The concept of Modular design has become popular with trade show exhibits and retail promotion displays too. These kind of promotional displays involve creative custom designs but need a temporary structure that can be reusable. Thus many companies are adapting to the Modular way of exhibit design. In this they can use pre engineered modular systems that act as building blocks to creative a custom design. These can then be reconfigured to another layout and reused for a future show. This enables the user to reduce cost of manufacturing and labor (for set up and transport) and is a more sustainable way of creating experiential set ups.▼
===In
{{See also | Modular programming}}
In 1963 [[Motorola]] introduced the first rectangular color picture tube, and in 1967 introduced the modular [[Quasar (brand)|Quasar]] brand. In 1964 it opened its first research and development branch outside of the United States, in Israel under the management of Moses Basin. In 1974 [[Motorola]] sold its television business to the Japan-based Matsushita, the parent company of [[Panasonic]].▼
Modular design is a foundational concept in modern programming languages, emphasizing the organization of software into distinct, reusable components known as modules. This approach allows developers to build programs more efficiently by reusing existing modules as needed, reducing redundancy and promoting cleaner, more maintainable code. The principle of reusability is central to modular design, enabling developers to avoid repeating themselves and to leverage proven solutions across multiple projects.
▲==In computer hardware==
▲[[File:Xi3 modular computer 01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Modular computer design]]
▲Modular design in computer hardware is the same as in other things (e.g. cars, refrigerators, and furniture). The idea is to build computers with easily replaceable parts that use standardized [[interface (computing)|interfaces]]. This technique allows a user to upgrade certain aspects of the computer easily without having to buy another computer altogether.
Modules also contribute to better abstraction and encapsulation. By hiding complex functionality behind simple interfaces, modules make software easier to understand and use. This is particularly beneficial for newer developers, who can interact with high-level features without needing to grasp the underlying implementation. Although encapsulation is a core idea in object-oriented programming, modular design applies similar principles across various paradigms, helping prevent misuse and reducing the likelihood of critical errors.
▲A computer is one of the best examples of modular design. Typical [[computer module]]s include a [[computer case|computer chassis]], [[Power supply unit (computer)|power supply units]], [[Central processing unit|processors]], [[mainboard]]s, [[graphics card]]s, [[hard drive]]s, and [[optical drive]]s. All of these parts should be easily [[interchangeable parts|interchangeable]] as long as the user uses parts that support the same standard interface.
Separating core language features from more advanced capabilities is another advantage of modular design. This separation keeps the base language lightweight and accessible, allowing developers to learn and adopt new features incrementally. It also enhances security by minimizing the attack surface—only the necessary modules are loaded, reducing exposure to vulnerabilities.
Python is a prominent example of modular design in action. Its Standard Library includes a wide range of built-in modules that extend the language’s functionality without overwhelming the core syntax. This modular structure allows Python to remain beginner-friendly while offering powerful tools for more advanced development.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Westra |first=Erik |title=Modular programming with Python: introducing modular techniques for building sophisticated programs using Python |date=2016 |publisher=Packt Publishing |isbn=978-1-78588-448-1 |edition=1st |___location=Place of publication not identified}}</ref>
=== In smartphones ===
{{Further|Modular smartphone}}
=== In televisions ===
▲In 1963 [[Motorola]] introduced the first rectangular color picture tube, and in 1967 introduced the modular [[Quasar (brand)|Quasar]] brand. In 1964 it opened its first research and development branch outside of the United States, in Israel under the management of Moses Basin. In 1974 [[Motorola]] sold its television business to the Japan-based Matsushita, the parent company of [[Panasonic]].
=== In weaponry ===
{{main|Modular weapon system}}
Some firearms and weaponry use a modular design to make maintenance and operation easier and more familiar. For instance, German [[firearms manufacturer]] [[Heckler & Koch]] produces several weapons that, while being different types, are visually and, in many instances, internally similar. These are the [[Heckler & Koch G3|G3]] [[battle rifle]], [[Heckler & Koch HK21|HK21]] [[general-purpose machine gun]], [[Heckler & Koch MP5|MP5]] [[submachine gun]], [[Heckler & Koch HK33|HK33]] and [[Heckler & Koch G41|G41]] [[assault rifle]]s, and [[Heckler & Koch PSG1|PSG1]] [[sniper rifle]].
=== In trade show exhibits and retail displays ===
▲The concept of
▲For smartphones (see also [[Modular smartphone]]), this idea was explored in [[Project Ara]], which provided a platform for manufactures to create modules for a smartphone which could then be customised by the end user. The [[Fairphone]] uses a similar principle, where the user can purchase individual parts to repair or upgrade the phone.
==Integrating the digital twin into modular design==
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* analyzing the different flowpaths it is possible to identify the critical components that affect the performance of the system;
* by optimizing those components and substituting them with more performing ones, it is possible to improve the performances of the system.
A better formulation has been produced during the MAAT EU FP7 Project.<ref>{{Cite web | url=
==See also==
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* Baldwin, C.Y., Clark, K.B., "''The Option Value of Modularity in Design''" Harvard Business School, 2002 [http://www.people.hbs.edu/cbaldwin/DR2/DR1Option.pdf]
* Levin, Mark Sh. "''Modular systems design and evaluation''". Springer, 2015.
* [
* [http://www.connected.org/media/modular.html "Modularity: upgrading to the next generation design architecture"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719062453/http://www.connected.org/media/modular.html |date=2019-07-19 }}, an interview
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