Platform Architecture
Platform architecture involves designing underlying structural, mechanical, or technological foundations that can support multiple product variants.
Platform architecture in products mirrors the biological principle of shared underlying structures supporting diverse phenotypic expressions, much as the same Hox gene toolkit produces varied body plans through differential expression.
Business Application of Platform Architecture
Platform architecture involves designing underlying structural, mechanical, or technological foundations that can support multiple product variants. Toyota's TNGA platform underlies the Camry, RAV4, and Highlander, providing development cost amortization, manufacturing efficiency, product variety, and quality improvements - but creates constraints requiring trade-offs between commonality and optimization.