The generic part technique

By: Tony McCaffrey

First, break down the items at hand into their basic parts, then name each part in a way that does not imply meaning. Using his technique, a candle becomes wax and string. Seeing the wick as a string is key: calling it a “wick” implies that its use is to be lit, but calling it a “string” opens up new possibilities.

The Goal:

• To systematically strips away all the layers of associated uses from an object and its parts.
• For each object you need to decouple its function from its form.

Method:

• As you break an object into its parts, as yourself two question:
  • Can I subdivide the current part further?
    • If yes do so.
  • Does my current description(of the part you divided in qn 1) imply a use?
    • If yes, create a more generic description involving its shape and material.

Its a technique to break out Functional fixedness

Ref: https://lifehacker.com/use-the-generic-parts-technique-to-boost-creativity-a-5929534