Modular Service Design of Information Technology-Enabled Services

Abstract

The literature has proposed ways to modularize information-technology-enabled services (ITeS) with limited success. We argue that applying design principles (DPs) can address this gap and revitalize the service modularization literature. With a qualitative research study, we develop exemplar DPs and a set of prioritized DPs for ITeS. We contribute to the literature by demonstrating how complex service systems, specifically ITeS, can be modularly designed. Our DPs show how different ITeS design elements or service attribute combinations impact the outcome-driven design of service experience. Based on the findings, we present a modular service design framework and a service design method that adopts DPs to create effective modular ITeS designs. We also offer ways to conceptualize and apply service modularization to improve the adoption of the modular service design by service designers and managers.