A proposal of modular design for localized globalization era

In localized globalization era, it appears that the modular design enables something new to be played, and thus at burning issue is the reconsideration of to what extent the modular design is applicable. To delve into a desirable modular design in not distant future, this paper describes first the present perspective including some facing problems and milestones in the developing history of the modular design. Then, the paper shows some applications of the modular design to other industrial spheres, ranging from automobile, through food processing plant, to submarine. On the strength of such awareness and also in consideration of characteristic features of the manufacturing environment in future, proposed is a new concept for modular design, in which primary concerns are two leading attributes, i.e., functionality-related, and also culture- and mindset-related attributes. These two should be duly converted into the quantified design specifications, and we must conduct the " One-to-One " conversion from functionality to structural configuration, and also conversion from the uncertain attribute to the quantified factor. Of note, the forerunning research is reviewed.