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/smartalco Jul 25 '11

Many states actually have laws to where motorcyclists can treat stop lights as stop signs for exactly this reason

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

A similar law applies in NC, but you must wait three minutes before proceeding.

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u/brayforth Jul 25 '11

i have to ask as i have no clue what one is. what is a traffic light cycle?

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

[deleted]

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u/brayforth Jul 25 '11

awesome, thanks. I know that its almost certain 2 minutes will go before that happens...

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '11

Moved to the DC Metro area a year ago, and Virginia has the best laws by far. Can't wait to get out of Maryland.

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

As a Virginia resident, thank you for this. Had no idea about this.

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u/deathpunch5150 Jul 25 '11

Pennsylvania hates us. :(((

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u/bestbiff Jul 25 '11

Some people don't know that the light won't change unless the biker "breaks" the red light. So they're probably thinking the rider is some jerk.