Code reuse isn’t a new idea. Design something in such a way that it can be used again and again. Pay once, play often. Some companies use this type of efficiency along with other methods to deliver great software & web applications. Recently, I realized how Barbie is using this idea.
Barbie dolls are the same size so that clothing and accessories for one will work with any. Have you seen any of the Barbie movies? The female leads are all Barbie. The villians looks the same. The male leads are the same. The children are the same. When I realized this, I finally had respect for the Barbie empire.
While some animation companies show extremely different looks via improved animation techology for each film, Barbie movies look remarkably the same. That is not to say the movies are boring or lack style. But pieces of design that can be reused are reused. I assume this allows them to splurge in other areas: Kelsey Grammer is Rothbart, the villan, of Swan Lake, Martin Short sings in Princess and the Pauper.
I am now inspired to seek smarter and creative code reuse in all my jobs: T-SQL Report Programmer, Writer, Mom.