Platform Thinking: designing a Platform from Coursera

Platforms changed the way we live and we do business. This module of the “Platform Thinking” series aims to help innovators in designing and building platforms.

At first sight, it may seem that platforms "simply" connect different kinds of users, as Airbnb links travelers and hosts or as Uber links drivers and riders. Well, this is true: platforms link different kinds of users. Nevertheless, this is just the enabling factor to have a platform, definitely not enough to describe the wide range of activities they actually do.

Therefore, this module aims to assess the starting point of creating the platform, identifying the initial set of customers and the main challenging elements to bring the design forward. Then, it digs in the phases of kicking-off a new platform and then in managing its growth over time, becoming a real ecosystem. In other words, the course aims to present the main strategies and tactics to design, launch, and manage a platform. In the end, it introduces platform thinking steps, helping established companies evolve towards a platform model.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - Introduction to the course

Week 2 - Setting the baseline

Week 3 - Kicking it off

Week 4 - Managing it through the growth

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to platform thinking, a paradigm shift in business and innovation

Provides a framework for designing and building platforms, essential skills for innovators and entrepreneurs alike

Emphasizes the importance of identifying the initial set of customers and the main challenges in bringing the design forward

Focuses on the phases of launching and managing a platform, guiding students through the intricacies of platform growth

Taught by experienced instructors, Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza, who have made significant contributions to the field of platform thinking

Involves structured activities and assignments, encouraging active participation and practical application of concepts

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Platform Thinking: designing a Platform with these activities:

Follow tutorials on platform development frameworks and tools

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Provides hands-on experience with platform development technologies and best practices.

Browse courses on Programming

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Select a platform development framework and tools.
Follow tutorials and documentation to learn the basics.
Build simple platform prototypes to practice your skills.

Review Platform Revolution by Geoffrey Parker, Marshall Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Choudary

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Provides a comprehensive overview of platform strategy and its implications for businesses.

View Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Identify the main arguments and examples presented in the book.
Consider how the concepts apply to your own business or industry.

Solve case studies on platform design

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Strengthens analytical skills and understanding of platform design principles.

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Analyze the case study and identify the key challenges.
Develop a platform design solution that addresses the challenges.
Present your solution to peers or instructors for feedback.

Two other activities

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Design and create a prototype of a platform idea

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Enhances practical skills in platform development and validation.

Browse courses on Product Development

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Brainstorm platform ideas and select one for prototyping.
Develop a detailed design for your platform prototype.
Build a working prototype using appropriate tools and technologies.
Test the prototype with potential users and gather feedback.

Build a platform-based business model

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Develops entrepreneurial skills and fosters an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of platform businesses.

Browse courses on Business Model Innovation

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Identify a market opportunity and validate your platform idea.
Develop a business plan and financial model for your platform.
Build and launch your platform.
Acquire users and grow your platform.

Career center

Learners who complete Platform Thinking: designing a Platform will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Platform Architect

Platform Architects are responsible for designing and building the underlying architecture of platforms. They work with a variety of technologies, including cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Platform Architects learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can design and build platforms that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Platform Architect

Software Architect

Software Architects are responsible for designing and building software systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that are scalable, reliable, and efficient. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Software Architects learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can design and build software systems that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and testing systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create systems that are safe, reliable, and efficient. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Systems Engineers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can design, build, and test systems that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers are responsible for designing the user interface for software and hardware products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to create user interfaces that are easy to use, efficient, and visually appealing. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring User Experience Designers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can design user interfaces that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Information Architect

Information Architects are responsible for organizing and structuring information. They work with a variety of stakeholders to create information architectures that are easy to navigate and find. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Information Architects learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can create information architectures that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Platform Engineer

Platform Engineers are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of platforms. They work with a variety of tools and technologies to ensure that platforms are up and running smoothly. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Platform Engineers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can operate and maintain platforms more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Platform Engineer

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They identify opportunities, develop business plans, and raise capital. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Entrepreneurs learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and launch businesses that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products, from ideation to launch. They work closely with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that products meet the needs of users. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Product Managers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and launch products that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Consultant

Business Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They work with a variety of clients to identify opportunities for improvement and develop and implement solutions. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Business Consultants learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and implement solutions that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They use their findings to help businesses make better decisions. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Data Scientists learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can collect, analyze, and interpret data more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for studying business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses achieve their goals. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Business Analysts learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and implement solutions that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of businesses. They work with a variety of departments to ensure that businesses run smoothly and efficiently. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Operations Managers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and implement solutions that can help businesses achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing documentation for software and hardware products. They work with engineers and other technical staff to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Technical Writers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can write documentation that is more likely to be useful to users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work with a variety of media to reach target audiences and promote products and services. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Marketing Managers learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and execute marketing campaigns that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for studying business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses achieve their goals. The course on Platform Thinking can help aspiring Systems Analysts learn more about the latest trends in platform design. By understanding the different elements of a successful platform, they can develop and implement solutions that are more likely to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

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