A modular product design framework for the home appliance industry

Abstract

Methodologies that optimize product development are becoming increasingly important due to global competition. Additionally, customers have been more demanding in terms of product quality, also requiring more environmentally friendly goods and services. In order to accomplish these goals, this study builds a product modularization framework for developing new products. We developed our protocol based on the Modular Function Deployment (MFD) and the Product Line Commonality Index (PCI). We obtained the modules after applying MFD and compared them with an actual product developed by a home appliance organization, to ensure validity in both theory and practice. We chose the hinge module to apply PCI, finding a significant potential to communize the component. A careful analysis of MFD and PCI outcomes in the product development process may increase modularization efficiency and bring pertinent information for product architecture decisions and strategies. However, it is noteworthy that a market analysis is needed before communizing components. On one hand, companies may reduce development and manufacturing costs through part commonality. On the other hand, there may be market rejection due to product design and architecture changes.