AxisGroup International Inc.

ToolToys

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ToolToy Modularity



Since no single object can be evocativefor all people in equal
measures, it is not surprising to discover that most of the
existing ToolToys have be produced in short production runs.
 
However, as the Swatch watch demonstrates, personalisation
can be achieved on large production runs through the use of
modular elements. Using a number of constant modules or
sub-assemblies to create a variety of configurations,
the personal idiosyncrasy of a ToolToy can be achieved with
the economy of a large production run.
 
Modularity offers additional advantages for the manufacturer,
such as the relatively low costs of smaller injection-moulding
tools, and the reduction of wasteful repetition of similar
functions in similar products. As LEGO demonstrates, if a
product line is modular by design, fresh uses may be found for
older parts by adding a new module to the line.




© 1993- 1995 Alexander Manu ©1995 Danish Design Centre "ToolToys - Tools with an Element of Play "
The author grants permission to make a digital or hard copy of part or all of this work for personal use provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit.
The copyright notice and the title of the publication must appear on all printed copies.