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Division

Definition: breaking down a product or service into component parts, possibly reconfiguring the parts in a new way, to create a new benefit for the consumer.

There are three ways to approach division; Physical, Functional, and Preserving. Physical Division literally separates components along physical lines.  Essentially anything purchased from Ikea is instance of Physical Division, until it is assembled by the consumer.

Functional Division divides and reconfigures units according to function. A camera is an example of functional division because the film is distinct from the camera body.

Preserving Division breaks product into modular units, where each individual part could stand in for the whole.  Modular shelving units are a ubiquitous instance of Preserving Division.

Division in any form is an inventive thinking pattern that creates a product or service that is easier for the end-user to work with.

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