I swear I got this recommendation here, but I can't remember who to credit and can't find the post.

Anywho, this is arguably the overarching reason Design Rules: The Power of Modularity[1] was written, at least in the abstract way you are asking it.

The book tells you about the process that led to the creation of IBM's System/360, and it shows how a set of patterns and rules have converged in parallel industry sectors. It was honestly one of the most interesting books I've ever read, and that's exactly what it is about. Highly recommend this book to virtually anyone on this board.

[1] ISBN10: 0262024667