Modular Interoperability

When to use

"Use when independent components need to work together without tight coupling. Standardize the connection points (interfaces, protocols, data formats) so components can be swapped, added, or removed independently."

Example

"USB is a modular interoperability standard — any USB device works with any USB port. The standardization enables a market of interchangeable peripherals. Without it, every device would need a proprietary port."

Common misuse

"Standardizing too early (before the patterns are understood) or too late (after everyone has built incompatible variants). The timing of standardization is as important as the standard itself."

Also known as

Related models