Understanding systems
What makes toys modular?
Modular toys consist of individual, standardized, and reusable components. Children – and often adults as well – can create their own designs, systems, or figurines by joining, exchanging, or redesigning the modules. One example that has been inspiring people around the world for generations is Lego. “Modular toys work according to the principle that everything fits together, everything is changeable. They’re not about prefabricated solutions but about systems with open potential,” says Dr. Volker Mehringer, an educational scientist at Augsburg University.
The expert
Dr. Volker Mehringer (46) has been a lecturer for special subjects at Augsburg University since 2011. With a PhD in educational science, Mehringer is engaged in research projects at the interface between game education and toy research. Among other things, his work is focused on analyzing toys in social and educational contexts. He is a board member of the International Toy Research Association (ITRA), an advisory board member of the German Association of the Toy Industry (DVSI), and actively involved in “spiel gut e. V.”
Popular modular toys …
Why are modular toys so fascinating?
“Because their design options are virtually unlimited – from a simple tower to a programmable robot,” says Volker Mehringer. “They aren’t rigid products but parts and elements that can be combined anew and flexibly over and over. Vehicles, buildings, landscapes – everything can be converted and modified. High robustness, long life, and extensibility play a crucial role with modular toys.”
Analogue classics or digital copycats – which have greater educational value?
“I don’t like to bash all things digital across the board. Playing with digital toys can be highly versatile as well. Both the digital and the analogue worlds have good and bad toys,” Mehringer explains. The scientist cites “The Benefits of Playing Video Games,” an overview presented by a research group at Radboud University Nijmegen that looks at the positive effects of video games on children and teenagers. “The authors argue that besides the frequently discussed negative effects the potential benefits of video games should be considered as well. Among other things, video games can enhance attentiveness, memory, and perception,” says Mehringer. Especially Shooters, the study says, are supposed to promote visual thinking and thus the ability to recognize objects in three dimensions, which may be important for educational success in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Are modular toys educationally valuable?
Mehringer: “Modular toys promote cognitive and motor skills. When children assemble modules, they not only train their fine motor skills but develop an in-depth understanding of how to join the dots. It’s not just about understanding technology but also about abstract thinking, visual thinking, and predictive planning – skills that will be in demand also in the digital world of tomorrow.” The special aspect, according to Mehringer, is that children learn the basics of logic, mechanics, and creative problem solving. As a side effect in the process.
Do modular toys tend to be especially suitable for loners?
“I do believe that, generally, analogue construction games are particularly well suited for playing alone or for parallel playing, in other words, several players building something side by side to finally look at how they’ve assembled the various modules. On the other hand, I must also go to bat here for the digital world. There’s a bias that gaming is conducive to solitariness, but some studies have found that video games can strengthen collaboration and communication between gamers as well. They can even enhance social skills and a feeling of belonging, especially in the case of multiplayer or online games,” says Mehringer.
What forgotten playing systems deserve a comeback?
Mehringer: “I feel that Meccano metal construction kits and model trains featuring ample details do. Although all that may sound a little old-fashioned, toys like that promote an understanding of technology, patience, and creativity – especially in times of increasing digitalization, they definitely deserve a comeback.”
3 questions for …
… Kai Storch, Manager Technical Sales and Concepts in the Special Machinery Department at Schaeffler, explains why modular building blocks are becoming increasingly important not only for playing but also in production.
Why are more and more companies using modular systems?
In mechanical and plant engineering, modularization is playing an increasingly important role – driven by rapidly changing market conditions. Development cycles, for instance in the automotive sector that used to amount to around eight years, today amount to about five and so are clearly shorter. At the same time, the market has become more volatile and diversified: Customers must choose between powertrain versions such as internal combustion engines, hybrid, or battery-electric vehicles. That uncertainty causes production demand to be difficult to plan. Remaining competitive in that environment requires flexible production systems.
What benefits do modular machine concepts offer?
Instead of investing in complete manufacturing lines in advance, modular machine concepts make it possible to expand production capacities step by step as needed. This makes it easier to control capital expenditures and to minimize risks. Using that approach, Schaeffler can respond quickly to increasing or decreasing demand: where a new line used to require a lead time of about twelve months modular extensions can often be achieved in just half that time. In the Hirschaid plant, for instance, a machine for the launch of a product was initially built with minimal equipment and then flexibly extended into a fully automated production machine in four extension stages, completely in accordance with the changing customer needs.
What are the greatest challenges in rolling out modular concepts?
Aspects such as ergonomics and automatability must be considered as early as in the concept stage – even if individual modules are initially operated manually. Especially important in that regard is the consistent utilization of identical or compatible components across all planned expansion stages. That’s the only way to avoid costly revalidations when a module is subsequently automated or extended and requires predictive, systematic planning and rethinking of the machine structure: a press, for instance, must be designed straight from the start for usability in a both simple, manual and in a subsequently automated environment.
