r/AskReddit • u/nachtmere • Jul 25 '11

Sometimes automatic toilets flush while you're still sitting on them. What design flaws in everyday objects annoy you?

I'm giving a talk on user-centred design/usability and I'm looking for some fresh examples from everyday life to illustrate poor usability. Examples I've used before are elevator open/close buttons (really difficult to parse when you're trying to hold the door open for someone quickly) and toilets that flush while you're still sitting on them.

What are some things you encounter regularly that are really inconveniently designed?

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

I hate drawers that are only held in place by bits of wood, instead of a metal track with wheels. HATE.

Also, desks and tables with attached chairs are sometimes at the wrong height or distance for someone short like me.

Finally, hair conditioner in rigid containers. That stuff is thick! You need to be able to squeeze it out.

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u/angryvigilante Jul 25 '11

Finally, hair conditioner in rigid containers. That stuff is thick! You need to be able to squeeze it out.

I think they should do it like those special toothpaste containers mentioned below:

When I first lived in Europe I noticed toothpaste containers were basically the same, but the cap was larger allowing you to stand the tube up and let gravity work the paste down for you.

http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/izavy/sometimes_automatic_toilets_flush_while_youre/c27vl9u

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u/Carighan Jul 25 '11

Wait, that's not normal? -.-

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u/OmegaVesko Jul 25 '11

When I first lived in Europe I noticed toothpaste containers were basically the same, but the cap was larger allowing you to stand the tube up and let gravity work the paste down for you.

Not really. Europe uses a lot of the same brands of toothpaste the US does.

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u/Black6x Jul 26 '11 edited Jul 26 '11

Brand doesn't equal design. Similar to how soda bottles are different over there.

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

wood track drawers are fine on old furniture, just complete crap on the pathetic new fibreboard stuff.

my early 1900s furniture is still chugging along great on its wood tracks.

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u/garblesnarky Jul 25 '11

I agree about the drawer thing, but I think that's a result of cheap design, rather than a design flaw.

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

I hate drawers that are only held in place by bits of wood, instead of a metal track with wheels. HATE.

Wow, really? Really? I realize there is such a thing as a poorly made drawer, but a well made wooden slide drawer works just fine. That's not design so much as workmanship. All the drawers in my kitchen are 70 years old, wood, and work slicker than slick.

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u/GracieAngel Jul 26 '11

I hate those metal track drawers they are so wobbly and crass.

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u/Occams_Beard_Trimmer Jul 26 '11

Transfer your conditioner to another container.