For many systems, it makes sense to use a network of devices that are
specialized for particular functions. For example, the Lively elderly care
service uses specialized sensors to monitor the pillbox, fridge and the kitchen
(see figure 9.19). This is referred to as synergistic specificity^11 : specialized
components working together to deliver a service that is more than the sum of
those components.
Figure 9.19: Lively elderly care system: safety watch for summoning help,
with pedometer and medication reminders, hub, sensors for fridge and
pillboxes and a custom sensor containing an accelerometer to detect
movement. (Image: Lively)
Users may also want to add (or remove) devices to suit their individual needs,
or combine them in different ways to fulfill different purposes – this is a
modular system. In some cases, different devices can be used to perform
different functions as part of different services. For example, a home
monitoring system may offer contact, temperature, moisture, smoke and
motion sensors. These could be used to detect occupancy for heating, lighting,
and potential safety problems or intruders. A highly modular system can be
very powerful, but may be more complex for users to understand, configure
and use. To use the distinction from chapter 4, it’s likely to be more of a tool
(^11) Schilling, M. A. 2000. Toward a General Modular Systems Theory and Its
Application
to Interfirm Product Modularity. Academy of Management Review, 25