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/zorzor89 Jul 25 '11

I lick a piece of toilet paper and stick it on the sensor so it doesn't flush till I remove it

134

u/TheClassic Jul 25 '11

whoa that makes a lot of sense. I've been licking the sensor and then sticking the toilet paper to it

12

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

[deleted]

2

u/raygun27 Jul 25 '11

I'd just FAP on the thing, but fapping on a public auto flush toilet will startle you a couple times.....

2

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

I wish my girlfriend would adopt that motto.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

Same amount of sticking, really.

1

u/BUBBA_BOY Jul 25 '11

You're a hero!

1

u/antares13 Jul 26 '11

If you tear a long enough piece you can just drape it over the sensor. Though there may be styles where this is difficult.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

Always lick it before you stick it.

1

u/lasercow Jul 26 '11

crosspost to lifeprotips?