Value Creation through Product Modularity: the User’s Perspective

The article approaches the modularity issue from the user instead of producer perspective, trying to capture the real benefits (and costs) that users may have from accessing to and making use of modular products. We also approach the topic of modularity from a perspective of resource heterogeneity and interdependent resource interfaces. In this view, we question if and when the user can give value to the modular product and create new and different value in relation to its own resources’ system. We also discuss how the best performing of a modular solution, especially in the user’s perspective, stems from the effective combination of the resources and processes both of the manufacturer and of its own suppliers.