Robust Product Design – Influencing Factors on Upgradeable Modular Products

In today's VUCA-World it is necessary to consider future requirements to develop change- and future-robust future products, especially regarding the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. In order to address this situation, upgradeability of modular products can be a solution. Considering that elements of modular products are used in several different products and over a long period of time, there is a need to act on this challenge. To uncover areas with a need for action, a systematic literature review on upgradeable and modular products was conducted. After resolving four fields of action and under consideration of the need for sustainable products, another systematic literature review examined the solution space of upgradable modular product architecture. In conclusion, several influencing factors on the upgradeable design of modular products could be identified, which are presented in this work.