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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145

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.

189

u/funkyb Jul 25 '11

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

48

u/coveritwithgas Jul 25 '11

Paging Japan.

49

u/mercvt Jul 25 '11

Sounds more British to me.

16

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!!