The generational variety index (GVI) helps 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 sub-systems. 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.
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ASME 2012 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference
August 12–15, 2012
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Design Engineering Division
- Computers and Information in Engineering Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4502-8
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Application of the Generational Variety Index: A Retrospective Study of iPhone Evolution Available to Purchase
Gopal Nadadur,
Gopal Nadadur
Penn State University, University Park, PA
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Matthew B. Parkinson,
Matthew B. Parkinson
Penn State University, University Park, PA
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Timothy W. Simpson
Timothy W. Simpson
Penn State University, University Park, PA
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Gopal Nadadur
Penn State University, University Park, PA
Matthew B. Parkinson
Penn State University, University Park, PA
Timothy W. Simpson
Penn State University, University Park, PA
Paper No:
DETC2012-70727, pp. 931-940; 10 pages
Published Online:
September 9, 2013
Citation
Nadadur, G, Parkinson, MB, & Simpson, TW. "Application of the Generational Variety Index: A Retrospective Study of iPhone Evolution." Proceedings of the ASME 2012 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. Volume 3: 38th Design Automation Conference, Parts A and B. Chicago, Illinois, USA. August 12–15, 2012. pp. 931-940. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2012-70727
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