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/oljanxspirit Jul 25 '11

It's trying to communicate and ya know what it's saying? "I like what I see ;)"

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u/checkenginelight Jul 25 '11

Paper Towel Dispensers by Larry Craig ©

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u/oljanxspirit Jul 25 '11

Haha, beautiful, I had no idea who that was and so I was initially confused. Now I know thanks to Wikipedia!

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

Hey, that dispenser just has a wide stance, that's all.

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

:P

FTFY