Video Transcript
Author's note: Here's an article that, while not your classic organization-DIY blogpost, is making ripples across various industries. We at The Module felt the concept of "Modular" could use some simplification. After this, it's back to your regular DIY-Organizational programming, promise.
Modular Is In, & It's Everywhere
Check these 2016 news blurbs:
- Google's Modular Phone: Google's Project Ara Modular Smartphone Is Finally Being Released (5/31/16)
- Modular PC: Asus’ Avalon Brings The Modular PC Dream Closer To Reality (6/3/16)
- Modular Bio Printer: MIT Researchers Develop xPrint, An Open-Source Modular Bio And Smart Material Ready Printer (6/2/16)
- Modular Robot Animals: Build Modular Animal Robots With The Animech Project (6/1/16)
The massive push by top research and development teams to modularize every industry begs the question: What's so good about Modular?
Modular Defined
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines modular as:
1: of, relating to, or based on a module or a modulus
2: constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use, e.g., modular furniture.
In short, modular means something made of standardized units, or modules, that provide flexibility. Simple enough!
Take Google’s new modular smartphone, Ara:
Megan Treacy of Treehugger.com explains:
"The Android-powered phone will have a skeleton that houses all of the basic phone functions, including CPU, GPU, antennas, sensors, battery, and display. Then users can get creative with the modules they snap on and off. The modules will include things like cameras, speakers, sensors, and more."
Innovating an Industry
Going modular is a major business move. For Google, a modular phone that essentially stays relevant forever is a game-changer—"basically an eternally improvable phone." The potential for transforming the smartphone industry is enormous.
What practical lessons can smaller players in more niche industries take from the modular movement?
Modular in Theory
Bringing modularity into a business can be as achievable as it is profitable. The benefits of "modular" emerge through three key characteristics:
- Research: Standardizing an industry begins with isolating the critical pillar products. This is often the most tedious and rewarding step in modular production.
- Production: Focusing production around core products reduces costs through mass manufacturing.
- Distribution: Simplified packaging and components streamline shipping and logistics, widening profit margins.
Following these principles can result in tighter logistics, wider profit margins, and most importantly, an empowered consumer.
The Empowered Consumer
Innovative companies succeed by empowering their consumers. Modular products allow customers to create, customize, and ultimately control their experiences. By educating customers and then stepping back, companies hand over creative freedom.
Case Study: Modular Closets
By standardizing the “custom closet” at a product level, Modular Closets' goal was to empower the DIY customer. Our most successful customers take our closet modules and create organized spaces that match their vision and budget. This results in an affordable, customizable closet that meets each person’s unique needs.
Modular may sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most customer-focused and business-savvy strategies a company can adopt.
Article Update: Now Facebook is joining the modular trend. Read more here. The race for the modular phone is on as the gold rush continues!
