To think in “modular” terms, think about playing with Lego bricks. A pile of bricks can be assembled in any number of different configurations, offering boundless possibilities for creative construction. When this approach is applied to website design – breaking down a site into smaller, reusable components or modules – it unlocks the efficiency and scalability that every business needs to grow.
It starts with the creation of a design system that ensures design consistency – a library of design patterns, rules and UX guidelines containing all the brand’s layouts, typography, grids, colours, icons. This ensures that these components can be easily reused instead of creating them from scratch each time. The use of modules then takes that efficiency to the next level to streamline the process further.
Let’s look at what taking a modular approach can mean for your business.
It makes development quicker
One of the most important advantages of the modular approach is a reduction in the time it takes to build a website and get it up and running. Time is money, and reducing turnaround time means your website will be generating revenue that much quicker. That’s because developers can reuse existing modules, like Lego blocks, to save time and effort.
It also simplifies collaboration by allowing designers to create and update modules independently while developers focus on integrating them into the website. This helps to ensure that changes in one area don’t disrupt the work of others, further streamlining the development process. So, if your business needs a website in a hurry, there’s really no beating the modular approach.
It makes maintenance simpler and easier
Changes and updates are much simpler with a modular website because when a change is required, focus can be applied to updating a single module. This reduces the risk of introducing errors – the kind that often lead to cascading issues throughout the entire website. A modular design compartmentalises errors, making them easier to identify and rectify, saving time and resources and helping ensure your site remains in good working order.
It’s more cost-effective
The points above both have the effect of saving time, which translates into money in the bank. But, the overall cost of a modular build is inherently lower because modules don’t need to be built from scratch every time, which means a business can avoid unnecessary spending on redundant design and development work. That makes it ideal for smaller businesses that really need to get the maximum mileage on their budget.
It paves the way for growth
Scalability is the name of the game with a modular approach. Your website needs to keep pace with the growth of your business without the need for an overhaul with each new section or feature. A modular approach to design and development ensures seamless scalability by making it simple to add new components. So, whether it’s time to expand your product offerings, integrate e-commerce functionality, or incorporate new content, modular components can adapt and grow with your business requirements. It also ensures that a site is future-proof, since it’s easy to replace or upgrade modules to incorporate the latest features and technologies.
It's great for A/B testing and prototyping
When you need to quickly test a new feature or concept, a modular approach to design enables rapid prototyping. Mock-ups can be put together with relative ease by assembling and rearranging modules. This facilitates an iterative process that allows you to gather feedback, make improvements and refine your ideas before investing in full-scale development.
Getting modular with Umbraco
Those are just some of the most immediate benefits of taking the modular route, but they’re compelling enough to justify the buzz around the term in web design and development circles. It’s efficient, cost-effective and practical, and that’s why Umbraco CMS has fully embraced it with its uSkinned offering.
Umbraco is renowned for its content-centric approach, which aligns perfectly with the modular philosophy. As Umbraco experts, we can ensure you can fully capitalise on the modular approach. Learn more about the web design and development capabilities that set us apart.
