At its core, modular design is the idea of bringing together individual modules that are built separately to create a complete unit. Thinking of modular design as using separate building blocks to put together a finished structure, there are infinite ways of combining the components to make a unique product, leading to countless design possibilities.
The Process of Modular Design
Builders use modular Design to construct physical offices, schools, homes, closets, or even digital services like websites and social media ads. Cost-effective, time-saving, and customizable, modular design is the better choice for many designers today.
The ability to create individual components independent of one another creates a process that is much quicker and easy to personalize. Not to mention, it is typically more cost-effective since it is possible to construct each module simultaneously. Also, you can even outsource them for quicker and cheaper construction.
Overall, this design is much more sustainable than other traditional design methods. Using all reusable and interchangeable parts, modular design results in much less waste. It also makes it possible to use excess parts from one project in a future one.
Where Is the Use of Modular Design?
Building Construction
Constructed in separate parts off-site and indoors, building construction with modular design offers top-tier construction work since the materials are not exposed to outside weather conditions. The quality of construction benefits from this method and leads to longer-lasting materials and construction.
A major benefit of using modular design during building construction is the reduced interference on surrounding schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. With less time spent on the physical site, there is less of an impact on the nearby community. In addition, construction using modular technology is often completed much faster, sometimes even 30-50% quicker than using traditional methods. Much of this faster pace is due to the ability to simultaneously construct both the interior and external foundations. It means, they do not have to rely on the progress of the other component.
Manufacturing
From cars to phones to toys, manufacturing using the modular design is a great way to keep costs low. In addition, its customization abilities are high. It is possible to break down complex products into simple, independent parts. This is especially valuable in manufacturing were outsourcing the construction of certain components is possible. Then, all come together seamlessly to create the final product.
Additionally, modular design allows the assembly of new products and putting them out into the market. This process is faster than through traditional methods. Testing and assembly of components can occur much quicker and cheaper when done simultaneously. Plus, a unique feature of this design is the ability to provide different versions of the same product to meet each customer’s needs without added time or costs.
Digital Products
Using modular technology to create digital products and services has another advantage as well. It is also a clear way for software product developers to prosper and scale. Rather than working from scratch on each new project, like a website, for instance, software engineers already have a template laid out that can be updated and customized for each new client to match their needs.
With this, businesses offering digital services can more easily produce new products and get them out into the market quicker. For digital advertising, marketers can take the same basic structure that they use for an ad for any company, and update it with the specific copy and media for the client that best matches their brand in a quick and efficient manner.
Above all, modular design allows mass production of products, whether physical or digital on a cost-effective basis while remaining customizable. As a more sustainable and eco-friendly option, there will be growing use of this design for years to come. The potential uses of modular design are growing by the minute as technological advances continue. Therefore, designers of any type of product should consider modular design in their next projects.
In case you have architectural, structural, and MEP design requirements, or need a modular design for your home, feel free to contact us. We provide you with the full permit set design + T24.
Author Bio
Bailey Schramm is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with wrought iron door manufacturer, Abby Iron Doors.
