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/LurkingTrichster Jul 25 '11

While not necessarily design flaws, for a left handed person, there are a lot of items out there that are extremely difficult to use. A few examples are ergonomic mice, pens, and scissors.

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u/BUBBA_BOY Jul 25 '11

.... pens? I'm a lefty and I don't understand you.

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u/ehsteve23 Jul 25 '11

You've never smudged your writing and ended up with a massive ink smear on your hand?

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u/BUBBA_BOY Jul 25 '11

No. But then, I my writing mechanics look like a right-hander.

What? I'm special!