Plate X — Time

Structural intent

Represent sequence and temporal layering via visible traces: strata, steps, progression, or staged states. Time is inferred from ordered structure, not narrative.

What must be observable

• Evidence of ordering (layering, stacking, sequential frames, steps, strata).
• Directionality of sequence (earlier → later) that can be read structurally.
• Multiple “states” present simultaneously (e.g., layers, phases).
• A coherent rule for progression (thickness changes, spacing, erosion levels, etc.).

Common failure modes

• Random layering with no readable sequence.
• “Old-looking” surfaces without visible stratification or ordering.
• Sequence implied by caption only (not present in the geometry).
• Multiple progression rules competing.

UI / system translation (non-symbolic)

• Use for timelines, changelogs, versioned docs, and release trains.
• In UI: step history, audit logs, temporal filters.
• In system terms: event sourcing, append-only logs, versioned artifacts.
• QA: require at least one explicit ordering cue in the structure.