Enter the Dwell Design Competition

Don't-Drop-Your-Pants Hanger

"Why I continue to spend money for this ramshackle device is a grand mystery," laments winner Steven C. Brady, "They should call it the "dropper" instead of the hangar. Every time I reach into my closet for my nicely pleated dress pants I discover that they have mysteriously disappeared. Where have they gone? They are on the floor, crumpled up, lying haplessly along with my other pairs of misrepresented pants."

Surely there must be something better than the clip hangers that leave marks on a perfectly clean cuff or the bar hangers that add an undesired crease at the knee. Submit your redesigns for the imperfect pants hanger.

A Great Coffee Cup that Doesn't Leave a Ring

"Most of us love our coffee or tea, but the slightest spill rolls down the side of the cup and leaves a ring on the table," says winner Mark Lenox, "In fact, the whole table coaster industry sprang from this need!"

If you have an inspired idea for banishing circular stains from your furniture with a fresh cup concept, send it in.

Not Yo' Mama's Ironing Board

"The shape and functionality of our modern ironing board is pretty much the same as when it was when invented in the late nineteenth century," says winner Sejal Parekh, "Problems with the current ironing board design include the iron's electrical cord getting in the way while ironing, an unstable two leg support structure, board covers that don't stay in place, storage space issues in small homes, and an overall very dated and uninspiring look."

This laundry list of failed features demands attention. Draw up a proposal and share it with us.

What to do now

You have until June 10 to send in a redesign (illustration and explanation!) for one, two, or all three of these objects. Be sure to include:

- 3 images of the design concept, including a front, back, and side angle

- a 500-word explanation of how your proposal meets the criteria for the competition and improves upon the old design

- A new name for your redesigned product that suits its new and improved identity

Dwell editors and several experts will jury the competition and select one winner for each object. The three winners will receive a cash prize from Volkswagen CC and VIP tickets to Dwell on Design 09 in Los Angeles, June 26-28. See remaining details here.

Images: Mug, Ironing Board, Hangers