A method for managing a modular product life cycle is described. A central computing device or system receives inputs representative of one or more of: an expected product life cycle, a market demand for the product, a manufacturing process for the product, a reverse manufacturing process for the product, and one or more technical engineering constraints associated with the product. From this information, a first modular product design is determined. Later in the life cycle of the modular product a second plurality of inputs representative of one or more of: a market demand, a manufacturing process, a reverse manufacturing process, and one or more technical engineering constraints are retrieved. From this information, a second modular product design is determined.