Modular design: Difference between revisions

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{{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 [[modularity]] in design, is a design principle that subdivides a system into smaller parts called ''modules'' (such as [[modular process skid]]sskids), which can be independently created, modified, replaced, or exchanged with other modules or between different systems.

==Overview==

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=== In machines and architecture ===

{{main article|Modular building}}

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>[httphttps://www.alliedmodular.com/products Allied Modular Products] Allied Modular. Retrieved March 27, 2012</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.

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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.

===In computer software===

{{See also | Modular programming}}

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.

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.

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 ===

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=== 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]].

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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=httphttps://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/99650_en.html | title=Multibody Advanced Airship for Transport &#124; Projects &#124; FP7-TRANSPORT}}</ref> A new design method that couples the above bottom-up optimization with a preliminary system level top-down design has been formulated.<ref>Dumas A, Madonia M, Trancossi M, Vucinic D (2013) [httphttps://www.academia.edu/download/43218871/Propulsion_of_Photovoltaic_Cruiser-Feede20160229-7290-15tzf2r.pdf "Propulsion of photovoltaic cruiser-feeder airships dimensioning by constructal design for efficiency method"]{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. SAE Int J Aerosp 6(1):273–285. {{doi|10.4271/2013-01-2303}}</ref> The two step design process has been motivated by considering that constructal and modular design does not refer to any objective to be reached in the design process. A theoretical formulation has been provided in a recent paper,<ref name="Trancossi 2015"/> and applied with success to the design of a small aircraft,<ref>Trancossi, M., Bingham, C., Capuani, A., Das, S. et al., [https://www.academia.edu/download/39296132/2015-01-2465.pdf "Multifunctional unmanned reconnaissance aircraft for low-speed and STOL operations"]{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, SAE Technical Paper 2015-01-2465, 2015. {{doi|10.4271/2015-01-2465}}</ref> the conceptual design of innovative commuter aircraft,<ref>Trancossi, M., Madonia, M., Dumas, A. et al. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297890415 "A new aircraft architecture based on the ACHEON Coanda effect nozzle: flight model and energy evaluation"]. ''Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.'' (2016) 8: 11. {{doi|10.1007/s12544-016-0198-4}}</ref><ref>Trancossi, M., Dumas, A., Madonia, M., Subhash, M. et al., [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300470359 "Preliminary implementation study of ACHEON thrust and vector electrical propulsion on a STOL light utility aircraft"], SAE Technical Paper 2015-01-2422, 2015. {{doi|10.4271/2015-01-2422}}</ref> the design of a new entropic wall,<ref>Trancossi, M., et al. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301779272 "Constructal design of an entropic wall with circulating water inside"]. ''Journal of Heat Transfer'', 2016, 138.8: 082801.</ref> and an innovative off-road vehicle designed for [[Fuel efficiency|energy efficiency]].<ref>Trancossi M., Pascoa J, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309732623 "Design of an innovative off road hybrid vehicle by energy efficiency criteria"], ''International Journal of Heat and Technology'', 2016.</ref>

==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.

* [httphttps://www.cs.drexel.edu/~yfcai/Presentations/Modularity%20in%20Design_CMU.ppt Modularity in Design Formal Modeling & Automated Analysis]

* [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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[[Category:Systems engineering]]

[[Category:Engineering concepts]]

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[[Category:Design]]

[[Category:Holism]]