Think：What is this?｜See：What did I see that made me say that?

My guess was “Cup Washer!”

This is because I saw:

(1) There are several transparent cups placed inside, each separated by a rack, with some space between them.

(2) On the left side of this machine, there is an L-shaped handle, and based on how the handle connects to the equipment on the right, it seems that the handle could possibly rotate in a circular motion to cause the cage-like structure inside to spin.

(3) On top of this black machine, there is a semi-cylindrical lid with two latches. I assume those are used to securely close the lid to prevent water from escaping.

Therefore, I assume this is a device for washing cups, where the cups are placed on an internal rack with water below. By rotating the handle, the rack with the cups moves in and out of the water, repeatedly immersing and lifting the cups to clean them.

In addition, I also saw:

(1) SEE: On the left side, besides the L-shaped handle, there is another handle attached to the black box. The outer casing also shows some scratch marks. THINK: Therefore, I believe this machine is designed to be movable rather than fixed in one location. As a result, I assume it doesn’t require a permanently installed water pipe. Instead, the water is supplied by placing it beneath the machine.

(2) SEE: The two button-like latches on top of the lid resemble mechanisms commonly used to secure the lid tightly to the box. If you look closely at the edge of the lid, you can see that the lid is wide and thick, with a white strip running vertically at a 90-degree angle and wrapping around its edge. THINK: Therefore, I assume that the thicker lid and the strip are designed to contain splashing water within the box, preventing it from spilling out.

(3) SEE: The internal rack is roughly cylindrical, with many horizontal rods along its edges. THINK: Therefore, I assume that this design is meant to keep the cups securely in the rack as the internal structure rotates.

(4) SEE: The internal cup rack features what appears to be a spring-like mechanism to hold the cups in place, with no visible features for accommodating other items. THINK: Therefore, I assume that this is a device designed specifically for washing cups, but it can also be used to wash bowls or bottles that fit within the spring-loading area.

🌳 Designer Z’s comment

• Regarding "Observation": Your observations are already quite comprehensive, but if you’d like to see more details, consider trying a few additional techniques.
  • Observe carefully and methodically by following a specific order. For instance, you might scan from top to bottom, from larger details to smaller ones, or in the sequence you imagine a person would interact with the object. Think of it as casting a wide net to capture everything visible, then gradually refining your focus to identify the most relevant details.
  • Pause for a moment and revisit it later—you might discover something new.
  • You can also organize your observations into categories, such as the internal cage structure, the outer shell and lid, and other specific details. Focus on each category to see if you find more details that could support your assumptions.
• Distinguish between the "facts you saw" and the "images you thought about": The things you can point to in a photo or video are the actual "facts you saw." Our minds are quick to make "associations," but those associations may not always reflect the reality.
  • Making a clear distinction between what has been "seen" and what has been "imagined" can help us analyze and create based on “facts.” Take your time to carefully evaluate whether you are truly "seeing" or simply "thinking" about something.
  • If you believe your associations are also helpful, try using phrases like "I speculate," "I assume," “I guess,” “I infer,” etc in your notes to help yourself distinguish between imagination and facts.
• Regarding "thinking": Your reasoning is very clear, and you consistently explain how you make your statements based on what you have seen and observed.
  • If you make additional speculations, ask yourself questions like, "Why does it look this way? Could it be because...?" or "Seeing…, I think...". These prompts are designed to spark self-reflection and encourage deeper thinking!
  • The key isn’t simply labeling correctly it as a "cup washer," but explaining what you observed that led to your assumption. The more thoroughly and accurately you can describe your observations, the better. Take your time, look closely, and gradually build the logical framework behind your speculations, which is the most valuable process.
  • I hope you start to realize that thinking begins with observation.

Designer Z