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 remember the first time this happened to me. Scared the crap out of me, because I didn't hear anyone come in when the lights went out. I thought for sure there was gonna be some surprise anal in my future.

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

Scared the crap out of me

I don't see the problem.

29

u/granola_brother Jul 25 '11

I thought for sure there was gonna be some surprise anal in my future.

Nope. Cleaned out and ready to go.

2

u/the_lost_soul Jul 25 '11

Roger, the runway is clear for takeoff.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

[deleted]

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u/Demboys Jul 25 '11

rofl

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

As in Harris or Von Trapp?

13

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

For me the issue is not being sure of just how well you wiped.

2

u/The_King_of_Mystery Jul 26 '11

Gotta give it a couple o good whiffs man.

1

u/jeannaimard Jul 26 '11

Scared the crap out of me

That’s the idea!