Abstract
In this study, the essence and the context of platforms as an industrial practise are examined
using historical perspective. This kind of approach is seldom used, but similar ideas have been
presented earlier, for example in references [1] and [2]. The hypothesis of this paper is that
there exists a sequence of development stages in the history of product structuring. According
to the hypothesis innovations and events like the introduction of standard screw thread are not
only seen as a step forward in production technology. Moreover, it is an early case on product
structuring as standardisation of connecting elements. This did not only enhance production,
but also enabled reuse of a small item of design.
According to this hypothesis, we can find the precedent, evolving development stages of the
platform based product paradigm. By documenting the characteristics of these stages, we can
find what is actually new in product platforms. We can also make extrapolation and have
justified foresight on what there will be after the platforms.
using historical perspective. This kind of approach is seldom used, but similar ideas have been
presented earlier, for example in references [1] and [2]. The hypothesis of this paper is that
there exists a sequence of development stages in the history of product structuring. According
to the hypothesis innovations and events like the introduction of standard screw thread are not
only seen as a step forward in production technology. Moreover, it is an early case on product
structuring as standardisation of connecting elements. This did not only enhance production,
but also enabled reuse of a small item of design.
According to this hypothesis, we can find the precedent, evolving development stages of the
platform based product paradigm. By documenting the characteristics of these stages, we can
find what is actually new in product platforms. We can also make extrapolation and have
justified foresight on what there will be after the platforms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | DS 35: Proceedings ICED 05, the 15th International Conference on Engineering Design |
| Publisher | Design Society |
| Pages | 502-503 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 1-904670-00-8 |
| ISBN (Print) | 0-85825-788-2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2005 |
| MoE publication type | A4 Article in a conference publication |
| Event | 15th International Conference on Engineering Design 2005 - Melbourne, Australia Duration: 16 Aug 2005 → 18 Aug 2005 |
Conference
| Conference | 15th International Conference on Engineering Design 2005 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| Period | 16/08/05 → 18/08/05 |