Organised by: Cranfield UniversityThe paper deals with modular design architecture and its capabilities for easy and fast customization in
products. The basic principles of modularity are mentioned and the most known methodologies and tools for
modular product design are reported. The way modularity can facilitate a product’s customization is being
addressed. With the help of a modular real test case, a motorcycle helmet, the capabilities of modularity in
customization are illustrated and a customization procedure is described. The conclusions drawn in the final
section of the paper indicate that although many modular design methods exist none of them is capable to
provide the optimum design solution. However, all of these methods undeniably facilitate the customization
of products.Mori Seiki – The Machine Tool Compan