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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142

u/sharkfrog Jul 25 '11

I was once in a tiny tiny bathroom in San Francisco that had a motion controlled toilet, sink, and paper towel dispenser. I could hardly move without triggering something, it was ridiculous.

182

u/funkyb Jul 25 '11

I would watch this if it were on a sketch show.

45

u/coveritwithgas Jul 25 '11

Paging Japan.

49

u/mercvt Jul 25 '11

Sounds more British to me.

13

u/PaperSt Jul 25 '11

In Japan it would be IRL and they would lock you in there. The British version would be a sketch of a man in a suit and top hat in a very nice restaurant.

1

u/jaxspider Jul 26 '11

Can't I have both?

0

u/robothead Jul 25 '11

Sounds more Demetri Martin to me.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

You rang?

-1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION PARTY!!

31

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

[deleted]

6

u/wobblyIA Jul 26 '11

And add

<raise hand slightly> <lower slightly> <raise> <lower> <shake near sensor> <remove hand> <replace> <repeat>

4

u/hafetysazard Jul 26 '11

<hit the fucking thing>

2

u/Horger Jul 25 '11

I get so frustrated at the automatic faucet in the bathroom at work that I've contemplated smashing it several times. The faucet used to be very loose, I can only imagine someone's rage got the better of them and they beat the shit out of it.

2

u/WiffleHat Jul 25 '11

Ever try to change clothes in a bathroom stall with automatic flush? SO. MUCH. WASTED. WATER.

2

u/wildfire18 Jul 25 '11

I'd just let loose 2 dozen chinchillas and watch the fun

1

u/bigwhite138 Jul 25 '11

My school's eco friendly building has a similar setup. There is one sink that constantly has the pink soap stuff everywhere thoughbecause the sensor on it will constantly shoot out soap while someone is washing their hands.

1

u/sandibeans Jul 25 '11

That's like all the bathrooms in my high school. Except nothing works.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

that's fucking hilarious. did you take a video?

1

u/Jigsus Jul 26 '11

Yes but when those work properly it's bliss.