There are big designfails (bridges, levees, buildings) and small ones. This one here is a small one.

What happens when the pull tab on a can of garbanzo beans snaps off at first tug? First, lots of swearing. Then you get out the old-fashioned can opener… and find out the can manufacturer has made the ridge at the top too deep for a regular can opener to work. (Why?)

More swearing.

Then you study the situation some more. Throw away the can? It only cost 79 cents. No, you really want garbanzo beans for your salad. Gotta get the damn thing opened.

Go to the basement, get out the tools. A small pointy screwdriver. An old hammer. And start pounding away. It takes a while for pointy screwdriver to break through. Again and again. Then you have to carefully peel back the top of the can with pliers. Don’t cut yourself!

The beans and their viscous sauce come rolling out. You’re sweaty and tired and now have to put back the tools.

Designfail, indeed.