Modularization of products or product families is common and frequently applied when designing product architecture and interfaces. Modularization is driven by various targets to face both, industry and customer needs, or to handle product specific problems. Due to this, a methodical and consistent system definition is crucial to match the set targets of modularization. In this paper possible aims for product architecture are introduced and a Multiple-Domain Matrix (MDM) based approach is presented to integrate relevant views and information needed for a targeted modularization. The main issue focuses the system modeling via domains and their dependencies within a MDM in a continuous iterative process to match all defined goals. The approach has been successfully applied in an industrial design project which dealt with the modularization for product family design of injection molding machines.     «

Modularization of products or product families is common and frequently applied when designing product architecture and interfaces. Modularization is driven by various targets to face both, industry and customer needs, or to handle product specific problems. Due to this, a methodical and consistent system definition is crucial to match the set targets of modularization. In this paper possible aims for product architecture are introduced and a Multiple-Domain Matrix (MDM) based approach is presen...     »