Application of the generational variety index: A retrospective study of iphone evolution

Gopal Nadadur; Matthew B. Parkinson; Timothy W. Simpson

doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-7937-6_29

Application of the generational variety index: A retrospective study of iphone evolution

Gopal Nadadur, Matthew B. Parkinson, Timothy W. Simpson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The generational variety index (GVI) helps to identify the components of product variants that are most likely to require redesign in the future. These components can then be embedded with the flexibility required for them to be easily modifiable; the remaining components can be designed into a platform. This paper describes the application of the GVI technique in studying the evolution of the Apple iPhone, which was first released in 2007 and has since undergone multiple redesigns. The analysis includes the five generations of the iPhone (original, 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S) and focuses primarily on mechanical subsystems. The results of the analysis and subsequent design recommendations are compared with the actual design evolution of the iPhone product line. For certain subsystems, this comparison reveals a divergence in Apple’s design decision-making from the evolution recommended by the GVI technique. Limitations include its retrospective nature and the use of only publicly available data.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Advances in Product Family and Product Platform Design
Subtitle of host publication	Methods and Applications
Publisher	Springer New York
Pages	737-751
Number of pages	15
ISBN (Electronic)	9781461479376
ISBN (Print)	9781461479369
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7937-6_29
State	Published - Jan 1 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

General Engineering

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10.1007/978-1-4614-7937-6_29

Cite this

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abstract = "The generational variety index (GVI) helps to identify the components of product variants that are most likely to require redesign in the future. These components can then be embedded with the flexibility required for them to be easily modifiable; the remaining components can be designed into a platform. This paper describes the application of the GVI technique in studying the evolution of the Apple iPhone, which was first released in 2007 and has since undergone multiple redesigns. The analysis includes the five generations of the iPhone (original, 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S) and focuses primarily on mechanical subsystems. The results of the analysis and subsequent design recommendations are compared with the actual design evolution of the iPhone product line. For certain subsystems, this comparison reveals a divergence in Apple{\textquoteright}s design decision-making from the evolution recommended by the GVI technique. Limitations include its retrospective nature and the use of only publicly available data.",

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Application of the generational variety index: A retrospective study of iphone evolution

Abstract

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