Modular systems

Studying systems, I’ve learned how valuable they can be to solve problems. But a common misconception is that they are rigid and inflexible.

This idea comes from the fact that systems are often meant to maintain consistency. We design a system to accomplish a goal. The system keeps going and going trying to solve the problem the same way that we designed.

But this doesn’t mean that systems are all rigid. In fact, some systems are designed to be flexible. We miss this when we narrow our focus on manmade systems. But we can dive into nature’s systems to experience this flexibility.

The world is made up of too many systems to count. We experience systems constantly. Physics is our study of the various systems in nature. The laws of physics are our documentation of the rules of the system.

While many of those rules are set and inflexible, it creates a system that does flex when needed. While the laws of gravity have been well-studied, we have found that the gravitational pull varies based on space. Isn’t as fixed as we once thought.

Perpetual motion machines use the laws while seeming to defy them. Using magnets or some external force, we can create movement that continues indefinitely.

But how can we use flexibility to create better systems for our own improvement? One way is to look to modular systems.

I first learned about modular systems from an executive at Coke who used them to create displays that fit in non-traditional stores. Going to stores in other parts of the world required a rethink of Coke displays.

Power is not as abundantly available. Space is not as ample. He used this insight to create a series of modules that can be used in many situations. They maintained the consistency of the brand but gave flexibility for each environment.

When it comes to exercise, I’ve built modular systems to maintain exercise while traveling. I’ve developed several different exercise routines. Some I do at home with specific equipment that I own and some that can be achieved in other environments. This gives me flexibility but maintains the consistency needed to keep improving.

We often use modular systems in business environments. At a previous role we had limited warehouse space. But at different parts of the day, we needed more space for certain activities. We created a warehouse space that would be used in one manner in the morning but then completely change for the afternoon activities.

Each system was fairly rigid when being used. But as soon as the morning work was completed, we moved around the area to accommodate the afternoon’s lack of space.

I read an article that when the recording industry was being disrupted by home studies in the early 2000’s, studios would rent out their recording spaces for all sorts of other activities such as Yoga or corporate meetings.

Even the live room of a recording studio is a great example of a modular systems. We would use rolling walls called gobos to transform the space to match the artist.

If we had a 3-piece jam band, we would use the gobos to keep the artists together for the symbiotic “gelling” that happens when great musicians play together without sacrificing the isolation that we desired. If we had a large orchestra, we would set the room in differently. If we had a hip hop artist, it would be setup uniquely for them.

Using the recording studio in each configuration made the most of the space available. This was a great example of using modular systems to create flexible solutions to problems.

If, instead, we used rigid systems instead of modular systems, we would need 3 customized studios for each recording situation. Instead of rolling gobos, we would create traditional walls. Everything would be set up for one situation.

But when we try to use systems and habits to improve, we often ignore flexible systems such as modular ones in favor of one system. This can help us early to develop the consistency needed to build the habit but will create a long-term problem that needs to be solved.

To solve the long-term issues created by rigid systems, look to modular systems. Find examples where people have built systems that adjust to accomplish more goals. It could be the example of the local arena to see a concert one night, a hockey game the next and a basketball court the next. Or we can even wedding venues flex to support the vision of each individual wedding planner.

How can we use this concept to create longer lasting systems to help us continue to improve even when life creates chaos and change all the time?