Hangers and other monopurposed products

Over the years, I've developed a strong mistrust - perhaps even a dislike - of clothes hangers. It took me a while to recognise this, seeing as it wasn't affecting my social discourse, my work, or my sleeping patterns. But slowly, I began to anaylse how I felt, and why - realising that I felt the same way about certain other things as well.

The term I will use for these items is monopurposed. What I mean to imply is that these products have been designed to perform a specific function, which they usually do well. It doesn't sound too bad so far, does it?

The problems arise when a designer not only prioritises, but also obsesses about, the stated purpose, to the exclusion of all other considerations. Because most products - perhaps all products - will have 'down time'. Times when their particular purpose is not realised or needed.

Empty hangers.

They are a nightmare. They are noisy, they jangle and tangle and clatter and fall. And have you ever tried to pack up a pile of hangers to, for instance, move house? Aha-ha-ha-ha-ha. That doesn't go well.

Of course, like most families we've accumulated hangers over the years. They arrive with new clothes, and in packs of five or so from stores. So, many variants jostle for position on the rails. Simple moulded plastic arms (no trouser bar) are probably the best - the lack of a closed loop minimises tangles (unless the hook is in play). But we, like many people, have hangers of different configurations, sizes, and even top hook sizes. They will jump over each other even on the hanging rails.

When I creep to bed, trying not to disturb my already-sleeping companion, I can guarantee noisy hangers.

Of course, it's not just hangers. We have a rucksac, passed on by a friend. It's a very good quality rucksac, and the perfect size for a solo trek of a few days. It has a back system that curves inwards, so you don't get a sweaty spine, and is in general a pleasure to use.

Then, you take it off, and realise it is monopurposed. It won't stand up. It won't even agree which side to lay on. It won't stay propped against a wall or tree. It trips you up, snags you. The designers gave no thought at all to how it would be once you took it off.

Then there are useful items that suffer from not having a simple hanging loop or hole. Tea towels, saucepans, even some coats.

I now look for such features when shopping. And I spend a little part of each day trying to re-imagine clothes hangers. You never know.