Modularity and Black-Boxing

Every product architecture is based in modularity. Modularity is the key for managing complexity and the more complexity there is in a product the more useful will be the use of modules or black-boxes.

Modularity refers to how components relate. It can be extrapolated to products or projects since it is a crucial strategy that enable a simplification and customization of the architecture. It consist on coupling and decoupling, connect and disconnect the different parts and features of a product.

This modularization allows the creation of product families in a portfolio by simplifying processes and saving materials, which also means optimization in means of money, time to release the product and customization. To decide the future architecture of a product it can be helpful to think on the module drives described by Erixon 1998. The modular function development (MFD) is a good approach for the identification of those modules having the starting point in the customer requirements and the module drivers.

Regarding modularity of projects it allows the internal design strategy by shorting the time to learn and making the process more efficient that could be basis for a competitive advantage.

Modularity in portfolio management

Module Drivers

Module Function Development

Referencess

Oehmen, J. et al 2015

Developing productc families based on architecture, Ulf Harlou