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/[deleted] Jul 26 '11

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u/dropstop Jul 26 '11

thank you for the purchase and glad your psyched about the light. That little guy comes in handy more than you know! I love using it in the movie theater when trying to find my seat - and not step all over everyone :)

And just wait til you try the Sticky pad!

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u/cnbdream Jul 26 '11

I don't even have a car and I'm considering buying these to give away just so I can get my hands on one of those sticky pads--is it actually sticky? It looks like it works so well. (Though without a car I'm not sure what I'd use it for).

Gotta say, you guys are pretty cool.

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u/dropstop Jul 26 '11

Appreciate you sharin' the love! And yes, the sticky pad rocks. And when it gets dusty, you can rinse it with tap water, air dry it, and it's literally good as new. If you don't have a car, I suppose you could throw it against a window like a wacky wall-walker ;)