Core-and-variant model

In the core-and-variant model, there is a core set of content that contains all the basic information. Branches are created from the core content to make it specific to different product models, customer-specific variants, or situations.

Figure: Core-and-variant model
Core-and-variant model

This model is also called the 'hub-and-spoke' model because each variant of the content starts from the same core content. This model is commonly used for hardware products.

If a new core content needs to be created, the core content is forked and a new instance created. The new instance of the core content becomes the basis for other variants.