Noticing Omnipresent Features

If a feature of an object is always present how does one notice it? How does one notice that the wax of a candle is in one piece or that the candle does not change locations when it burns? As Whitehead (1929) observed, empirically we notice by difference in that if something is sometimes present and sometimes absent then we can notice it. If something never takes a vacation then we cannot notice it in this manner. An act of imagination is required to reveal it for the first time. But how does the imagination unconceal what is hidden in its omnipresence? In short, we must create a way to notice it. I will suggest ideas that might help with the unconcealing.

Of course, these ideas will not capture everything. The quest to notice the omnipresent features is most likely an endless quest. These questions, however, get us off to a good start.

See if any of the ideas below help you notice more features of a candle. If you can notice a new feature, then you can vary that feature to make new innovative designs!

Number
For every noun you notice (e.g., wick, wax), consider any number of these items (including zero). For example, if you notice one wick, consider zero wicks, two wicks, etc.

Negation
Noticing the presence of something (e.g., has a wick, is tall) can lead to considering its negation (e.g., does not have a wick, is not tall).

Two Parts Fixed Relative to Each Other
A pencil lead of a typical wooden pencil is fixed (i.e., does not move) relative to the wooden shaft. Making the two parts move with respect to each other leads to mechanical pencils. Now, the pencil lead moves with respect to the shaft of the pencil. In constrast, if two things move (i.e., vary) with respect to each other, maybe they can become fixed.

Contiguous versus Separated
If two parts of an object are next to each other or connected, maybe they can be separated--or vice versa. For example, separating the power button on your TV from the TV itself gives the idea of a remote control. Now, the power button is separate (and physically distant) from the TV.

1D to 2D to 3D
If multiple parts are in the same dimension (line or plane or volume) with respect to each other, maybe they can move to a different dimension with respect to each other. (Need an example.) (If you have an example, please let me know.)

Spatial Boundaries
Violating the natural spatial boundaries of an artifact may alter its design in interesting ways. (Need an example.) (If you have an example, please let me know.)

Rotation
Rotating an object from its normal operating position may have interesting consequences. (Need an example.) (If you have an example, please let me know.)

Inversion
Considering inner parts moved outward or outer parts moved inward may have interesting consequences. (Need an example.) (If you have an example, please let me know.)

Motionless to Motion
If part of an object is motionless (or even the whole object), perhaps it could be put into motion—or vice versa. Considering putting a burning candle into motion led to the designs described above to spin or raise the candle as it burns.