Why Dual Functionality is B*****ks (Part 1)

Anyone who knows me will also know that, when it comes to product design, I have a pet hate - 'dual functionality'. For those who are not familiar with the term, this means a product that has two uses i.e. a pen that is also a torch, or a spoon that is also a fork. Now I'm all for a product 'with a clever twist', but if that means instead of doing one job well, it does two jobs averagely, that's just a bit s**t isn't it?!

A case study in point:

The Futon (or Sofa Bed)

Now when I went to university and wanted a new double bed. Somebody said to me "Get yourself one of those 'Footons' Rik, they're from Japan, great space saving device. You get a bed and a sofa - two for one!". Sounded idyllic I thought, so I toddled off to my local Argos and bought the best one they had (glass panels and everything - god bless the student loans!). I was the envy of my student friends and my bedroom was the central hub for late night drinking. It was ace... for about a week! And then it started creaking and I noticed the springs in my back at night. Within a month it was so uncomfortable to sleep on I returned to my single bed in the corner. In fact, it soon became a crap sofa as well, adorned with more cushions than people.

Tell me if I'm wrong, but is the Futon / Sofa Bed just a bad joke for those who have friends round to stay?! "Oh, we've set the bed up in the spare room, great little thing, only £100 from Ikea". Yer, I know why you don't sleep on it!! So I rest my case, if you want a bed, buy a bed, if you want a sofa, buy a sofa - there is no middle ground... unless you're evil or a fan of the floor!

Rik x