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A Model-Based Approach for Variety-Oriented Interface Design in Modular Product Families
Inselmann, Pascal; Berschik, Markus Christian; Krause, Dieter
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Langner, Christopher; Kreimeyer, Matthias; Panarotto, Massimo; Cascini, Gaetano; Browning, Tyson R.; Eppinger, Steven D.; Yassine, Ali A.
Author:
Series:
DSM
Institution:
Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
Page(s):
131-140
DOI number:
ISBN:
NA
ISSN:
NA
Abstract:
This paper addresses the challenge of managing internal variety in modular product families by explicitly considering interfaces as a central design variable. While existing product development and modularization approaches primarily focus on components, functions, or their interactions, the variety of interfaces is often neglected, despite its significant contribution to internal complexity without increasing customer value. To overcome this limitation, the paper proposes a structured and methodical approach for variety-oriented interface design that integrates interface variety into the product development process.
The approach comprises three main steps: the definition of objectives and systematic capture of the current state, the identification and analysis of relevant interfaces based on defined evaluation criteria, and the targeted design of variant-oriented interfaces. Furthermore, a model-based representation is introduced to enable consistent documentation, visualization, and evaluation of interfaces and their interdependencies. This supports transparency in decision-making and facilitates the comparison of alternative interface designs.
The approach comprises three main steps: the definition of objectives and systematic capture of the current state, the identification and analysis of relevant interfaces based on defined evaluation criteria, and the targeted design of variant-oriented interfaces. Furthermore, a model-based representation is introduced to enable consistent documentation, visualization, and evaluation of interfaces and their interdependencies. This supports transparency in decision-making and facilitates the comparison of alternative interface designs.
Keywords:
