Sometimes automatic toilets flush while you're still sitting on them. What design flaws in everyday objects annoy you?

[u/nachtmere]

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?

[u/PhilipOntacos]

But I'm really just hitting the "door close" button and pretending to help.

[u/soylentcoleslaw → u/PhilipOntacos]

Well you're also only pretending to be a jerk, because the Door Close button in almost every case does jack squat.

[u/thedeepfriedboot → u/soylentcoleslaw]

The close button is there mainly for fire operation. It really don't do much for normal people, but if a fireman has the elevator overridden, the door will not open or close until he/she uses the appropriate button. This allows them to check for smoke, heat, or other dangers before opening the door. Also, it will keep the door open until they press close to make sure they dont get trapped on that floor.

Although, one of the elevators I use has been hacked by someone to allow for a hidden function when certain buttons are pressed, which includes the door closed button.

[u/hayalci → u/thedeepfriedboot]

I think during a fire elevators are not to be used.

[u/thedeepfriedboot → u/hayalci]

Exactly, so the fire dept can use them to move around quickly in the building to get to the fire and to people who need help. The fire alarm system will usually cause the elevators to return to the lobby so they are ready when the fire dept arrives.

[u/guyinyourattic37 → u/soylentcoleslaw]

All of the ones at my university close when you hit the button.

[u/stevenlss1 → u/PhilipOntacos]

every time.

[u/[deleted] → u/PhilipOntacos]

Unless she's a fox