Concept for Product Modularization in the context of
Circular Economy
Michael Riesener1, Maximilian Kuhn1, Alexander Keuper1, Frederike Hellwig1 and Guenther Schuh1
1
Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering WZL, RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074
Aachen, Germany
Abstract— In the past decades industrialization increased
productivity drastically and it became feasible to overproduce
goods in order to lower production cost. This overproduction
favored a linear form of value creation, in which raw materials are
transformed into finished products. After the usage phase
products are disposed, creating the demand for new products.
However, resources are limited and considering not only economic
but also ecological effects of this linear form of value creation, a
fundamental change will be necessary in the future. One possible
approach is a circular value creation, in which products,
components and materials serve as the base for new value creation
cycles after their use. The challenge is that due to their structure
and architecture, current products make economically viable
circular value creation difficult. New concepts and methodological
approaches are necessary dealing with the question of how
product architectures must be designed and modularized in order
to realize circular economy in a feasible way. This paper evaluates
the latest scientific approaches for the creation of circular
products and deducts a concept for modularization in the context
of circular economy, which helps applicants to design feasible
product architectures and divide products into suitable modules
from both an economic and a circular economy point of view.
I. INTRODUCTION
Economic activity has long been characterized by the
guiding principle of maximizing economic benefit, resulting in
various sustainable inefficiencies, such as overproduction to
reduce production costs, a linear economic system (take-make-
waste), planned obsolescence, and the externalization of
consequential costs of ecological damage [1, 2]. Advancing
climate change is creating social, economic, and political
awareness of existing grievances, resulting in a collective effort
to address them [3, 4]. A paradigm shift away from a linear
economic system, whose growth is based on the extraction of
raw materials, to the decoupling of economic growth from
resource consumption, is a fundamental part of the Green New
Deal and the European Green Deal and represents the foundation
for a transformation to a circular economy [5]. The objective of
the circular economy is the return of resources into the value
system, as well as the minimization of environmental
interventions and impacts [6]. This requires a rethinking of
product design, as current approaches are not designed for
optimal resource utilization and product lifetime. There are
strong interdependencies between components and the use of
composite materials that are difficult to recycle, which limits the
reusability of components and products [7, 8]. Currently, there
are several strategic approaches to enable the circular economy
through sustainable product design, but there is a lack of
methodologies to assist companies in the execution of the
concrete development of underlying product architectures [9–
11]. The literature suggests that one of the ways to promote the
implementation of circular economy models is through product
modularity. Product modularization and modular systems are
mostly used in manufacturing companies with the aim of
realizing economies of scale [12]. The combination of highly
interconnected product components into variably configurable
modules makes it possible to offer a diverse product portfolio
and tap into niche markets while reducing internal variance [13].
As a result, modularization is a beneficial instrument of product
architecture design with added value for variant management
and complexity management [14]. The bundling of components
into modules with defined interfaces has the potential to reduce
dependencies between components and thus enables the
implementation of circular economy strategies [15]. In this
context, modularization aims at performance improvements in
remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling. By avoiding strong
interdependencies and focusing on interfaces, reassembly and
disassembly can be simplified, thus enabling the implementation
of circular economy strategies. [15] Therefore, the overall goal
of the concept presented in this paper is to guide product
modularization towards circular solutions. To this end, it is
important to take into account different perspectives and
company-specific preferences in the context of module creation.
By developing a holistic approach within this work, companies
will be enabled to systematically capture the relations between
the components in the context of the different perspectives of a
circular economy.
Based on this, a concept is developed in this paper, which
systematically develops a methodology for product
modularization with the objective of enabling a circular
economy. Subsequent to the introduction in section 1, the
theoretical basis for the concept development is presented in
section 2. In Section 3, a review of relevant related work is
provided. Next, the research approach is presented. The result of
the research is a methodical concept, which is presented in
section 5. Section 6 follows with an exemplary application of
the developed methodology followed by the conclusion in
chapter 7.
II. RELEVANT TERMINOLOGY
This section explains the theoretical concepts of the circular
economy and existing approaches to product modularization,
which provide the foundation for the concept developed.
A. Circular economy
The origins of the concept of the circular economy date back
to the 1960s and are based on theoretical discussions of a
sustainable economic model, which, due to the determinant of
the exhaustibility of the earth's natural resources, would have to
be capable of being recirculated [16]. This paradigm was further
developed through continuous adjustments and a social
prioritization of environmental and climate protection into the
concept of the circular economy that is currently in use [17].
This describes a closed economic cycle in which waste
production is minimized and material, components and entire
products are reused as resources [18]. A more recent definition,
frequently referenced in academia, comes from the Ellen
McArthur Foundation, which describes the circular economy as
a system that "is one that is restorative and regenerative by
design and aims to keep products, components, and materials at
their highest utility and value at all times, distinguishing
between technical and biological cycles“ [19]. Accordingly, the
objective of the circular economy is to minimize the extraction
of finite resources and to minimize environmental damage
through the extraction, processing and disposal of materials by
reusing resources in the product life cycle [20]. A scientifically
widespread methodology for the implementation of the circular
economy are the R-strategies, which are measures for
environmentally friendly management [21]. Currently, there is
no agreement in the literature on the exact definition and number
of R-strategies. In detail, these are, for example, Reduce, Reuse,
Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose and Recycle [22].
The successful implementation of the strategies directly depends
on the product design and architecture, which determine the
necessary aspects of durability, material intensity,
decomposability, and resource recoverability [23, 24].
B. Product Modularization
Product modularization is a powerful instrument for
enabling the control of complex systems and optimizing
flexibility towards the market. Product modularization is a
method for structuring products by combining components into
modules according to specific criteria [15, 25]. These modules
are mutually independent due to a reduction and standardization
of the interfaces, which enables circular economy measures such
as reparability, refurbishment or recycling [10, 26]. So far, the
modularization methodology has been applied primarily in the
context of variant management to develop niche markets while
controlling the resulting product complexity. The flexibility of
the modular product systems can ensure ambidexterity between
the economic success factors of meeting individual customer
requirements and the exploiting of niche markets, as well as
mastering the diversity of variants in the product range and the
resulting complexity [27]. A cross-product portfolio application
of modularization in the form of a combination system, which
enables products with different overall functions to be generated
from the modules, results in a modular product system [28]. For
modularization, the product requirements for functions and
properties are specified in technical design parameters [29]. At
this level of abstraction, modeling of the predecessor/successor
relationship as well as the technical-functional dependency
relationships of the design parameters is possible using the
Design Structure Matrix (DSM) [30]. This allows the
aggregation of the components with high dependency
relationship to modules based on a quantitative analysis of flow
variables such as material, energy, information or spatial
relationships [30]. Through an algorithm-based optimization of
module formation and interface definition with respect to
functional and sustainable criteria, an extension of the benefits
of modularization can be extended from variant management to
a circular product architecture [31].
III. EXISTING APPROACHES
In the following section, different approaches of the relevant
literature are examined to identify the research gap in the
addressed area of methodology. Particular attention is paid to
approaches that deal with product design and modularization in
the context of the circular economy.
The paper by SINAH ET AL. [32] presents an approach for
DSM-based architectural modularization. The approach
presented is to integrate various design constraints into
clustering algorithms for modularization of system
architectures. Two clustering algorithms are adapted to consider
multiple system design constraints simultaneously. Equal
preference is given to all design constraints during the clustering
process. The authors demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed
approach for application to complex systems in an industrial
case study. The present approach shows a design structure
matrix based modularization approach, which, however, has no
relation to circular economy or sustainability.
A further approach is provided by MESA ET AL. [11]. The
authors used a literature review to identify trends, opportunities,
and gaps for sustainable product design concepts that consider
open-architecture products and the circular economy. The three
gaps include the lack of focus of design methods on reuse,
remanufacture, and recycle strategies; the lack of consideration
of product families and modular product platforms; and the lack
of integration of sustainability into production paradigms and
circular economy strategies. The paper emphasizes the
opportunities for developing new design strategies incorporating
the open-architecture product concept and the circular economy
model, as relevant interdependencies have been established
between these topics. Nevertheless, this paper does not define
specific action steps for companies.
SCHISCHKE ET AL. [33] presents a variety of modularization
concepts for implementing circular design strategies into
smartphone designs. The modularization concepts are analyzed
and classified regarding the environmental strategy, material
usage and RRU-criteria (repair, reuse & upgrade). Furthermore,
requirements for the durability of connectors are investigated. It
is stated that the modularization leads to a higher material
consumption and environmental footprint, which can only be
compensated by an actual longer lifetime of the products.
Furthermore uncertainties regarding the user behavior and
design conflicts between durability and modularity are
addressed. The authors explain a number of modularization
concepts with a focus on smartphones, but do not provide clear
steps for the implementation of modularization.
PAMMINGER [34] describes a design guide and tool-based
approach for developing modular products for the circular
economy, specifically targeting smart mobile devices. The guide
links the design process to the development of a circular
business model. A first step of the methodology is to define an
adequate main circular economy strategy, which consists in one
of the four end-of-life strategies repair, reuse, remanufacturing
and recycling. The next steps are the development of the
appropriate business model, the selection of CE strategies for
subassemblies and parts, and the definition and design of the
modules. For each sub step of the methodology, the authors give
guiding questions, methods and tools. The paper gives a user-
friendly approach to the development of modular products, but
lacks a multidimensional view of the possible solution
perceptions.
The systematic literature review conducted by SONEGO ET
AL. [35] states that modularity is associated with sustainable
design through a variety of benefits throughout the product life
cycle. However, it is noted that research has focused on the
production phase and that there is a lack of evidence to
demonstrate and quantify the benefits of modular design beyond
the production phase. To better design modular products and
achieve sustainable outcomes, researchers and designers should
improve their understanding of the entire life cycle, including
consumer needs. The literature review described does not
explicitly address the circular economy. Furthermore, it
provides an overview of the benefits of modularity with
sustainable design without specific guidance.
DEN HOLLANDER ET AL. [36] state that the guiding
principles, strategies, and methods of ecodesign are based on a
linear economy. To develop guiding principles, strategies, and
methods for a circular economy, the concept of product integrity
is introduced. The article presents a typology for product
module cluster criteria such as function, manufacturability, and
end-of-life options to achieve the goal of sustainable design. The
methodology is supported by the use of DSM. A weakness of
the methodology lies in its narrow scope. The authors define
fixed criteria for evaluating the interrelationships in DSM,
which are not fitting every application. Furthermore, it lacks
consideration of inevitable technical restrictions. Therefore, the
basic ideas can be built upon but a more generic approach that
can be adjusted to every individual application is needed.
Existing approaches (Figure 1) mainly focus on providing
design principles, identifying fields of action or connecting
modular products with suitable business models for circular
economy. Although the relevance and potential benefits of
modularization for circular economy is acknowledged, only few
approaches take a closer look at the definition of a product
architecture and the definition of modules for the circular
economy. Even fewer approaches provide a methodical
approach guiding an applicant in the process of product
modularization for circular economy. While DSM is a
commonly used tool for the modularization of products, there is
a lack of suitable approaches to use DSM in the context of
circular economy modularization. Only one approach [38] was
identified using DSM in order to support the modularization
process in the context of circular economy. The research deficit
can be summarized in the lacking of practice-oriented
methodical approaches to support the modularization in the
context of multidimensional target systems like the creation of
feasible, sustainable modular products for the circular economy.

Consideration of modularization

Methodology for the definition

not fulfilled
integrity design that systematically describes various measures
barely fulfilled

Consideration of multiple
to extend product life and classifies them as resisting,

Consideration of circular
postponing, or reversing obsolescence. It is noted, however, that partly fulfilled

Application of DSM
solution perceptions
of circular modules
an extended life cycle does not always lead to a reduction in the nearly fulfilled
environmental impact of the product, as more efficient completely fulfilled
technologies may emerge over time. This paper provides a

economy
foundation for the development of guiding principles, design *
summary included in
strategies, and methodologies that can support product design section 3

for a circular economy, without, however, making direct Approaches

reference to modularization and its benefits.
AGRAWAL ET AL. (2021) [39]
MENDOZA ET AL. [37] describe a generic framework to help
MACHADO ET AL. (2021) [15]
companies develop sustainable business models and implement
circular economy principles. By combining backcasting and SASSANELLI ET AL. (2020) [40]
ecodesign, the approach addresses both strategic and operational
levels. Product design and supply chain alternatives are SINHA ET AL. (2020)* [32]
developed. A successful application of the framework in a
MESA ET AL. (2019)* [11]
vacuum cleaner case study is made. The framework emphasizes
implementation, takes a strategic view of the circular economy, SCHISCHKE ET AL. (2019)* [33]
and is based on the circular economy measures of the ReSOLVE
checklist presented by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. PAMMINGER (2018)* [34]

However, the paper does not provide detailed guidance in SONEGO ET AL. (2018)* [35]
defining modules in terms of the circular economy.
DEN HOLLANDER ET AL. (2017)*
YAN ET AL. [38] proposed in their paper an effective [36]

methodology for product modularity focused on sustainable MENDOZA ET AL. (2017)* [37]
design to integrate sustainable factors such as environment,
MEDKOVA ET AL. (2016) [41]
economy, and society into the product design process. The 6R
concept (reuse, recycle, and reduce, recover, redesign, and YAN ET AL. (2014)* [38]
remanufacture) was considered as the basis of sustainable design
and manufacturing. The authors integrate the 6R concept into
Fig. 1. Overview of existing approaches [39–41]
 Based on the identified research deficit a systematic research
approach, which is described in the following section, is used to
create a solution that is relevant for both science and practice.
IV. RESEARCH APPROACH
After the introduction and the analysis of existing scientific
work the research approach is presented in this section. Based
on the presented research deficit in section 3, the goal of this
paper is to create a generally applicable methodology for the
modularization in the context of circular economy. Therefore,
the main research question within this paper is formulated as
follows:
How can the perspectives for modularization in the context
of circular economy be combined with existing modularization
perspectives in a comprehensive methodology?
The structure of this research is based on the Design
Science Research Method (DSR) according to [42]. The DSR is
interdisciplinary in nature and aims to bridge the gap between
theory and practice. It is based on seven guiding principles,
which characterize a well-conducted research. The most
important guiding principle includes the artifact. It is the result
of the research that contributes to achieving a goal or solving a
relevant business problem and includes an evaluation of the
benefits of the results. In this case, the artifact is a conceptual
methodology to modularize products for circular economy. The
artifact is developed based on existing theories and approaches,
and the development process is usually a search process for new
solutions [43]. In this method, applicability and scientific
accuracy are important [43]. This means that on the one hand
requirements and needs from industry are addressed and on the
other hand a knowledge base is created, on which further
research can build up. The DSR includes a process model, which
is shown in Figure 2. This process model structures the research
process but it is also used to structure the content of this paper.
DSR activities according Structure of this
to HEVNER ET AL.
Process of this research
paper
1 1
Identify problem Capture and description of Introduction
and motivate the problem
2 Requirement for the solution
Define objectives
based on knowledge of
Relevant terminology
of solution
existing approaches
3 Existing approaches
Design & development Artifact development
Research approach
4
Demonstration Application of the artifact
Methodology
5 Evaluation of the artifact
Evaluation against the problem
description Exemplary application
6 new functions and technologies must be provided. Accordingly,
Communication of the
Communication
results Conclusion
Fig. 2. Research approach
In order to develop the artifact, existing approaches on
modularization were identified and investigated. These
approaches were evaluated to which extend they are suitable to
create a modularization for circular economy. Based on these
approaches, a new concept was developed that takes into
account the new objectives in the context of the sustainability
transformation as well as the circular economy and supports the
modularization of products in a multidimensional target system.
In addition to analyzing scientific approaches, the authors have
a broad range of experience in product modularization through
consulting activities in industry. In addition, the concept was
discussed in an expert panel consisting of specialists from
industry. The specialists were drawn from the industries of
component manufacturers for mechanical and plant engineering,
automotive supplier industry and climate and heating
technology. The final result of the artifact development is a
methodical concept for the product modularization in a circular
economy, which is presented in the next section.
V. METHODOLOGY
Before explaining the concept of the methodology, a brief
subsection with preliminary considerations and premises is
given.
A. Initial considerations
When products have to be prepared for the circular economy,
a distinction has to be made between two basic strategies:
"Closing the Loop" and "Slowing the Loop" [44]. Recycling
closes the loop between the end of product use and production
(Closing the Loop), which leads to a circulation of the resource.
The design of durable products and the extension or
intensification of the functional lifespan of products leads to
slowing down the circulation of resources (Slowing the Loop).
This results in new requirements for the product's de-
mountability and upgradeability and thus for the product's
modularization. At the same time, the focus on the value-added
years of a circular product means an even stronger focus on
customer benefits in product design than before. Less than
before, customers are being sold the pure physical (or digital)
possession of a product, but rather delivered a value proposition
for a specific period of time. Products are thereby designed to
last and be suitable for maintenance and repair, slowing down
resource loops and extending the product's use phase [44]. To
optimize this, it is necessary to identify two component types or
modular types in terms of product modularization. On the one
2
hand, the life-critical modules and the customer benefit-
generating modules, or short: customer modules. The life-
3
critical modules determine the maximum service life. They must
be designed in such a way that their functionality is ensured as
long as the overall customer benefit is still high. Alternatively,
4
these modules must be designed in such a way that they can be
easily and quickly repaired or replaced. Customer modules are
5
primarily responsible for the value perceived by customers. To
ensure customer satisfaction, the value of a product must at least
6
be maintained or even increased over its life cycle, for which
7
it is necessary that new functions are introduced into a product
during its life cycle. In terms of product architecture, this can be
achieved either through the software level or the hardware
components. Updateable software is a fundamental component
of circular products. In contrast to software, hardware
components can only be updated with greater effort. Either a
module must be replaced or refurbished on site, the user must
take the product to a workshop, or the entire product is replaced
and modules are exchanged in the background. Therefore, the
frequency of hardware upgrades is expected to be lower than the
frequency of software updates. The focus in hardware is to
interpret the circular economy capability in a way that certain
modules can be easily exchanged but especially that components
can be remanufactured, refurbished and finally recycled.
Compared to the software level, the hardware dimension brings
the greater novelty and challenges for many manufacturing
companies, which is why the concept for a methodology that can
support manufacturing companies in redesigning the
modularization of their existing products for the circular
economy is presented in the following.
In this context, the modularization of products in the course
of sustainability transformation and the circular economy
becomes a more complex challenge than before. While
modularization has so far focused on generating cost savings and
economies of scale, the target for modularization in the future is
more complex and represents a multi-dimensional target system.
The target system for modularization must be derived from the
strategic corporate goals and operationalized for modularization.
This results in different perspectives on modularization. For
example, the higher-level corporate goal of reducing the CO2
footprint of products can mean for modularization that the
service life of products must be extended, while at the same time
components subject to wear should be combined in an easily
replaceable module. In this context, the translation of corporate
goals for modularization opens up various perspectives on
modular product architecture. An important aspect to consider is
to distinguish which goals can be achieved through the design
of modularization and product architecture, and which goals
relate more to the design and configuration of the technical
solution.
In addition to the perspectives derived from the objectives,
technical restrictions and interfaces must also be taken into
account in order to obtain an optimized overall product
modularization and architecture. The relationships between the
various product components must be systematically captured in
the context of the different perspectives. DSMs, which are also
used for the conventional modularization of products, can be
used here. Computational operations can be applied to DSMs so
that DSMs of different perspectives can be calculated with each
other. It is also possible to apply cluster algorithms. On this
basis, a procedure for the modularization of products for the
Circular Economy was developed.
B. First step of the methodology
At the beginning, relevant perspectives for a modular
product design in the Circular Economy have to be defined.
Classically, modularization is thought of in terms of
departments, disciplines or functional units. The function-
oriented perspective will also be relevant in the future, but other
perspectives arise, for example, with regard to the targeted R-
strategy, service life or materials, and of course also a market
and customer perspective. Perspectives are formulated
according to the company-specific strategy and the objectives
derived from it. With regard to the company-specific
preferences, a weighting of the perspectives is carried out. This
can be done using a pairwise comparison, which systematically
compares the perspectives with each other. In each case, it is
determined in pairs whether a perspective is more important,
equally important or less important. This results in a
quantitative weighting for the individual perspectives, which is
used in the further course to incorporate the different
perspectives holistically into the modularization.
C. Second step of the methodology
After all necessary perspectives have been formulated and a
weighting has been applied, the perspectives are detailed in
criteria. With the help of these criteria the different components
of the product are evaluated and categorized. The criteria are to
be selected in such a way that components, which fulfill these
criteria in same or very similar way, can be combined in a
module from this perspective. For the perspective value-added
life span for example the criteria resistant to wear, corrosion-
resistant, resistant to environmental influences, probability of
material failure, frequency of relevant technology jumps, etc.
can be defined. If different components are rated equally in these
criteria, it can be concluded that these components have a similar
expected value-added life span. Therefore, from this
perspective, it would be advantageous to combine these
components into one module, because by replacing this module,
all the components that have reached the end of their life cycle
can be changed at once and extend the life of the product.
Formally, the fulfillment of the criteria by the components is
mapped in a Domain Mapping Matrix (DMM).
After all components under consideration of the different
criteria were evaluated, the generation of a DSM per
perspective, which reflects the dependencies of the components
among themselves, takes place. Components, which were
evaluated in a perspective the same or very similarly, are
interdependent. The generated DSM can then be clustered using
a cluster algorithm, resulting in component clusters with strong
interdependencies within the cluster. These clusters correspond
to the proposed module layout from each perspective.
D. Third step of the methodology
As already mentioned, technical restrictions and interfaces
must be taken into account in addition to the various target
perspectives. For this, the inclusion of dependencies takes place
over another DSM. All components are examined, whether they
have a dependence to each other. Therefore the existence and
extent of an information flow, energy flow, or material flow
between the components or a geometrical dependence is
considered. Finally, the evaluation should be made in four
levels:
Must relationship - this is a dependency of two components
that must be implemented in a common module.
Beneficial relationship - this is a dependency of two
components which, if implemented in a common module, can
provide benefits, for example, by improving functionality,
reducing costs, or forming an advantageous pre-assembly unit.
No relationship - there is no relationship between these
components.
May-not relationship - these components may not be
implemented in a common module.
E. Fourth step of the methodology smartphone was selected as the demonstration case, which
To view the different perspectives and technical restrictions consists of nine highly simplified components: processor,
holistically, an analysis of the cluster assignments of the memory, battery, housing, buttons, camera front, camera back,
individual components across the perspectives is performed. screen and charging port. The first step of the methodology is to
This results in a heat map that visualizes how often components identify relevant perspectives. In this case, the perspectives:
are in a common cluster. For example, components that have customer, R-strategies and lifespan are chosen. Through the
been in a common cluster in each perspective show the highest pairwise comparison, the R-strategies perspective was
dependency on each other. To generate the heat map, the determined to be the most important perspective, while the
weighting done at the beginning is used, so that the importance Customer and lifespan perspectives follow with equal
of the cluster assignments varies depending on the importance weighting.
of the perspective. To consider technical restrictions it has to be A major simplification for the case study was used in the area
differentiated, while the beneficial relationships can be used as of criteria for each perspective. Here, discrete categories were
another perspective in determining the heat map the must and used as criteria for each perspective. For example, the criteria
may-not relationships must be considered as forced relationships for the Customer perspective are the following: changes in
and as combination prohibitions, respectively, in the clustering customer requirements for the component within one year,
process as constraints. Since the resulting heat map again within two years, long term, or never. The criteria for R-
corresponds to the structure of a DSM, clustering can be strategies were simplified to the following: suitability of
performed. The generated clusters suggest a modular product component for recycling, suitability of component for repair,
architecture, taking into account all relevant perspectives. suitability of component for refurbishment, suitability of
Since the modularization suggested by the cluster algorithm component for upgrades, no suitability of component for a R-
considers not only the target dimensions but also technical strategy. With regard to lifespan, a distinction was made
restrictions and interfaces of the components, the generated between wear parts, medium-term lifespan, long-term lifespan,
clusters represent the modular product architecture of a circular and infinite life span. The corresponding ratings can be found in
economy enabling product. For the reason that the cluster the DMMs in Figure 4. For a more differentiated assessment, a
algorithm is not an intelligent algorithm and does not have any detailed identification and evaluation of the criteria as described
implicit knowledge or experience, a plausibility check of the in the methodology is strongly recommended in application.
proposed modularization is necessary. By varying the weighting Evaluation of components from different perspectives based on simplified criteria
factors, it is possible to generate different modularization Average time until customer
Suitability for R-strategies Theoretical lifespan
instances. This ensures better comparability and gives the expectations change or increase
lifespan

Wear-part
Refurbish
applying company a deeper understanding of the influences of

1-2 years
2-5 years
Upgrade

< 1 year
Recycle
Repair

Never
None

Medium

Infinite
the perspectives on the resulting modularization. Figure 3 shows

Long
a summary of the methodology’s steps. Processor X Processor X Processor X
Memory X Memory X Memory X
Define perspectives incl. weighting, define respective criteria and evaluate Battery X Battery X Battery X
Housing X Housing X Housing X
components by these criteria in DMM
Buttons X Buttons X Buttons X
Camera front X Camera front X Camera front X
DMM Criteria Camera back X Camera back X Camera back X
0
1
1 Perspective 1 -1
Screen X Screen X Screen X
Components

1 1
1

1
1

1
+ 1 1 Charging port X Charging port X Charging port X
1
1
2 Perspective 2 = 3 1 1
1 1 1 1
1

1 1
1 1
1 1
- - 1 1
3 Perspective 3 - 0
1

1 1
1 1

1 1
1
- -2 1
1
Fig. 4. Exemplary DMMs for perspectives in the demonstration case
1
1 1
… … -1
1 1
0
1 1 1 1

Create DSM based on DMM evaluation of components

Create DSMs based on DMMs for each perspective and use cluster algorithm
Average time

Charging port
Charging port

Camera front
Camera front

Camera back
Camera back

until customer
DSM Components Suitability for
Processor
Processor

expectations
Memory
Memory

Housing
Housing

Buttons
Battery
Buttons
Battery

R-strategies

Screen
Screen

1
change or
Components

1 1 1
1

1 1
1
1

1 1
1 1

11
1

1
1
increase
1 1 1
11

1 1
1 1
1 1 1
1
Processor 1 Processor 1 1 1
1
1
1 1
1 1
Memory 1 Memory 1 1 1
1 1
Battery Battery 1 1 1
1 1

1 1 1 1 Housing 1 Housing
Buttons 1 Buttons 1
Camera front 1 Camera front 1
Analyze technical restrictions and interfaces and update heat map Camera back 1 Camera back 1
Screen 1 Screen 1 1 1
Charging port 1 Charging port 1
Components Heat map Components
Type of relation
Charging port
Camera front
Camera back
Components
Components

Must Theoretical
Processor
Memory

Housing
Buttons
Battery

Beneficial lifespan
Screen

None
May-not Processor 1 1 1
Memory 1 1 1
Battery 1
Fig. 3. Steps in the presented conceptual methodology Housing 1 1
Buttons 1 1
Camera front 1 1
Camera back 1 1
VI. EXEMPLARY APPLICATION Screen
Charging port 1
1 1

To illustrate the methodology, an exemplary application in a Fig. 5. Exemplary DSMs created from DMMs
simplified form is presented in this section. A generic
 Subsequently, the DMMs are transformed into DSMs support the cycles of a circular economy, existing approaches
(Figure 5) and the cluster algorithm can be applied (Figure 6). were analyzed in order to derive requirements for the solution of
this problem. Based on this analysis the need for a new
Create clusters of components within DSM methodical concept became apparent, which was developed
Average time based on literature analysis and discourse with experts from

Charging port
Charging port

Camera front
Camera back
Camera front
industry. The methodical concept consists of four steps, starting

Camera back
until customer
Suitability for

Processor
Processor

expectations

Memory
Memory

Housing
with the identification of relevant perspectives on the task of
Housing

Buttons
Battery
Buttons

Battery

Screen
R-strategies

Screen
change or
increase product modularization based on the companies strategy. The
Processor 1 Processor 1 1 1
Memory 1 Memory 1 1 1 next step defines criteria for each perspective, which are used to
Housing 1 Battery 1 1 1
Buttons 1 Screen 1 1 1 evaluate the different components of the product and identify
Camera front
Camera back 1
1 Buttons
Charging port 1
1
possible module structures. This is supported by the use of
Screen 1 Camera front
Camera back 1
1 DMMs and DSMs. In the third step technical restrictions and
Charging port 1
Battery Housing interfaces are examined and formalized in a DSM. Finally, the
different perspectives as well as the technical restrictions are
Charging port
Camera front
Camera back

Theoretical combined into one holistic view which can be represented by

Processor
Memory

Housing
Buttons

Battery
Screen

lifespan
another DSM. A clustering in this aggregated DSM provides the
Processor 1 1 1 applicant of the methodology with a suggestion for the
Memory 1 1 1
Camera front 1 1 1 modularization of their product to enable circular economy. The
Camera back
Housing
1 1 1
1 1
exemplary application of the methodology shows, that the
Buttons
Screen
1
1 1
1 principle works, but further research is necessary in order to
Battery 1 validate the concept and detail it further. Further research is also
Charging port 1
necessary in the translation of corporate goals into perspectives
Fig. 6. Exemplary clusters within DSMs for the modularization in a circular economy as well as the
detailing of these perspectives, defining criteria for the
In addition, the technical constraints are included in another perspectives and how to evaluate these criteria. Another
DSM and used as further input for the creation of the heat map important aspect to create successful products for the circular
and as constraints for the cluster algorithm. The DSM of economy is the business model. Further research could
technical restrictions as well as the final heat map and the investigate the influence of the business model on the modular
resulting four clusters representing the modules are shown in product architecture. Known limitations to the presented
Figure 7. The resulting modules are as follows: Module 1: methodology are that it is a bottom-up approach and therefore
Camera front, camera back, screen. Module 2: Housing, buttons. only applicable to existing products with fixed components. If
Module 3: Battery, charging port. Module 4: Processor, the configuration and the design of components would not be
memory. assumed as fixed, more flexibility would be enabled. With this
increased degrees of freedom the modularization becomes even
Technical restrictions (left) and resulting final heat map (right)
more complex but also more potential options for a feasible
Type of relation product modularization arise.
of relation
Strength

Charging port
Charging port

Camera front
Camera back

Must
Camera front
Camera back

Processor

Beneficial
Processor

Memory
Memory

Housing
Housing

Buttons
Battery
Buttons
Battery

Screen
Screen

None ACKNOWLEGEMENT
May-not No relation
Processor
Memory
Processor
Memory
Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG,
Battery Battery
Charging port
German Research Foundation) under Germany ́s Excellence
Strategy – EXC-2023 Internet of Production – 390621612
Housing
Buttons Housing
Camera front Buttons
Camera back Camera front
Screen Camera back
Charging port Screen VIII. REFERENCES
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