👉 The Belkin Fluid is a conceptual framework introduced by Belkin in 1999 to describe how people categorize and perceive objects, which often deviates from their functional properties. It suggests that our understanding of an object's utility or purpose is influenced by the context and labeling we apply to it, rather than its inherent characteristics. For example, a vase might be seen as a decorative item or a container for holding flowers, depending on the situation and the label we attach to it. This fluid highlights that our mental models and categorizations can lead us to see objects in ways that aren't necessarily aligned with their actual functions, impacting our interactions and decision-making processes.