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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Platform Thinking

designing a Platform

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