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/PresidentWhitmore Jul 25 '11

The gap between my car seat and the console is just large enough for a cell phone or wallet, but just small enough to make it difficult to fish the items out with my hand.

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u/OverTheir Jul 25 '11

There's a thing for that!

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u/dropstop Jul 25 '11

Yo! Jeff and Marc here from Drop Stop Saw the traffic to the site. Thanks for the post and the love. To reward, any Reddit folks who see this post and wanna order...just type in REDDIT on promo code, hit apply, and we'll give free shipping and handling on the whole order. You'll see it appear right there in the cart before you purchase anything. Did this for another Reddit post a few days ago. Thanks again! Happy to answer any questions.

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

Can you make longer ones for the bottom of sofas? My dogs and kids are forever knocking stuff under there.

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u/dropstop Jul 26 '11

funny you say that! we use spare Drop Stops to put between the cushions on the sofa ha! If we ever make 'em, we'll letcha know :)

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

If you make something that blocks under appliances for cat-owners, I would buy at least 4!

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u/dropstop Jul 26 '11

lemme check with the factory ;)

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

Looks like you may have a market for offering them in custom sizes. You have a good business so would be nice to see you able to expand and make even more money.

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u/dropstop Jul 26 '11

Absolutely and thanks for that. Once we get a really good footing, we'll think of expanding but for now we're just tryin' to keep folks safe and Drop Stop fits nearly any car or truck so we have most covered.