What are key success factors for hangers in wardrobes?
Factors that contribute to the usability of a hanger in a wardrobe include:
Material: The material should be strong enough to support the weight of the clothing and durable enough to withstand repeated use.
Size: The size should be appropriate for the type of clothing being hung and fit comfortably in the wardrobe.
Shape: The shape should allow for easy access to the clothing and prevent the clothing from sliding off or becoming tangled.
Hook design: The hook should be sturdy and allow for easy hanging and removal of the clothing.
Space efficiency: The hanger should take up minimal space in the wardrobe to maximize storage capacity.
Aesthetics: The hanger should be visually appealing and complement the aesthetic of the wardrobe.
Price: The hanger should be affordably priced and provide good value for the cost.
In our wardrobe we have this one model of black hangers. - And I hate them for one reason!
Testing on above essential requirements:
1. Material: metal, black painted, ... all good - except that they make quite a bit of noise when hanging jackets or coats. The design makes them behave like a tuning fork in music.
2. Size: pretty much standard, ... all good - an given the lean design they are light enough.
3. Shape: basically there is no issue with the shape - except that one detail! - but let's cover that later.
4. Hook design: also here, basically no issue - it hangs very well to the wardrobe rail - except that one detail! - ...
5. Space efficiency: here, the model under discussion is exceptionally good. Absolutely no space is wasted on the rail.
6. Aesthetics: visually - I like it!
7. Price: for a designer piece, it was very affordable.
But now, that one usability issue which makes this product a total failure:
In the process of unhanging jackets I struggle each and every time with that little opening in the hanger, next to the hook. the way you would normally hang a hanger to the wardrobe rail, this opening is a true trap in the process!
Every time my jacket gets stuck and trapped in that little gap and if I do not rip a hole into the fabric of my jacket, I am at least well irritated and busy to get my jacket off.
Now, many people tell me - "don't stress out, just take both of you hands when taking a jacket off the hanger, or hang the hanger the other way around to the rail, ...".
NO! As a user I don't want to use both of my hands, because usually I have keys, a bag, or something else in my other hand.
And, NO! I don't want to hang them the other way around. Why on earth should I?
In conclusion: another example of a household piece designed for aesthetics and not to serve its maximum purpose in the end user's process.
