Design ideas that meant well but went hilariously wrong

Sometimes a design just doesn’t land quite right, and we’re here for every puzzling, quirky, or unintentionally hilarious moment. Get ready to witness a parade of everyday oddities that will make you laugh, scratch your head, and maybe question reality just a little. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Who Approved This?

“That's how I broke my leg.”

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Dis-Man-8/Reddit
Dis-Man-8/Reddit

Wow, that staircase really said 'plot twist!' Right when you think you’ve made it to solid ground, reality comes back with an unexpected step. Honestly, I can see how this could be a hazard and a half. This is the kind of structure you describe to someone, and they swear you’re exaggerating — until they see it and immediately regret not wearing shin guards.

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“This woman turning into fish roll”

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Cream77/Reddit
Cream77/Reddit
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Follow the relaxing arrow—now where is this leading me? The spa sign has me more confused than calm; all I know is I’m supposed to go 10 meters that way for… something? Between the candles, massage glamour shot, and toes, I have no idea what I’m really signing up for. Guess I’m committed now!

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“My grandparent’s carpeted bathroom”

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Iamwallpaper/Reddit
Iamwallpaper/Reddit
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There’s so much 70’s energy in this bathroom, I can feel my toes curling up in that thick green carpet just from the picture. Possibly the only space where slipping after a bath just means a gentle mossy landing. But, uh, definitely don’t spill anything… because how do you even clean carpeted steps by a tub?

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“Found this beauty at my local college”

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GelatinSkeleton3/Reddit
GelatinSkeleton3/Reddit
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You ever hit a sharp turn on a staircase and your shoulder just stops existing for a second? That’s what this handrail believes in—corners are merely a suggestion. The wall and the railing clearly got into an argument and neither one wanted to give any ground. The result is this little slice of modern architecture chaos.

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“My school locker can’t even fit my backpack because of those shelves.”

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zucclivan/Reddit
zucclivan/Reddit
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Whoever designed these lockers apparently never saw a backpack in their life. Seriously, it’s like they measured for folders and called it a day. That sad, half-crushed backpack sticking out the front really says it all. Guess I’ll just be carrying everything from class to class. Thanks, locker gods.

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“These are stairs…”

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A-weema-weh/Reddit
A-weema-weh/Reddit
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Is this a floor, a ramp, or a hidden staircase on hard mode? My feet hurt just imagining taking a step without knowing where it actually stops and starts. It’s like waiting for your legs to betray you. Seriously, is this an optical illusion or do you just risk it every time you cross?

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“Makes sense”

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BeanBall2077/Reddit
BeanBall2077/Reddit
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Finally, a poll with a result that means absolutely nothing and everything simultaneously. Yes or No—what exactly was the question again? The only thing I learned is that at least 57% of people are just as confused as I am. Sometimes ambiguous survey design is an art form in itself.

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“168$ for this Jeans”

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chrzzl/Reddit
chrzzl/Reddit
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Jeans, but make it abstract art. Those shredded, stringy remains of denim were once pants, I assume, but now they’re just a guessing game. $168 for a breeze in places you’ve never felt before. That’s the true designer premium—minimalism meets maximal exposure.

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“(unintentionally gross) marble looking keyboard”

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glitterbake/Reddit
glitterbake/Reddit
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My first thought was: do I need to disinfect that keyboard, or is it just really, really fashionable? Turns out 'marble' just looks like last year’s lunch. Note to self: next time, maybe pick a design that doesn’t act as a daily anxiety trigger. This is not the look for neat freaks.

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“just no...”

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titanhunter392/Reddit
titanhunter392/Reddit
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Nothing says innovation like a computer mouse with two scroll wheels. Twice the fun, half the practicality! “Cruise the Net faster!” they promise. But since when did anyone need to scroll vertically more than once at a time? Someone had way too much faith in human multitasking.

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“Light switch in kids room”

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AlexKiri/Reddit
AlexKiri/Reddit
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A friendly fish face for your kid’s room light switch is all fun and games until the eyes go full demon-red at night. Sweet dreams, children! Just a little mood lighting, or a summoning ritual? Hard to know with those glowing orbs staring you down from across the room.

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“Every 3,000 sheets of paper costs us a REE.”

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trevorssm/Reddit
trevorssm/Reddit
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Every 3,000 sheets of paper costs us a… what, exactly? That poor tree got cropped right out of existence. Now I’m just left wondering: does a 'REE.' symbolize some deeply mysterious office secret? Recycle, kids! Or risk losing more letters.

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“Why would red block when he could win?”

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Chicchac/Reddit
Chicchac/Reddit
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Connect 4 went rogue! Why would the red player block when they could win? I’ve never seen a board game so unsure of its own rules. If you want to teach children strategy, this box art isn’t the best demonstration. Sometimes creativity just isn’t a good teacher.

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“The DESIGN SCHOOL I graduated from sent this postcard out”

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edrini/Reddit
edrini/Reddit
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When your design school sends out a confusing postcard, it feels a bit like getting a riddle for graduation. I think I’m supposed to feel inspired, but mostly I just feel lost. Thanks for the diploma, but can I get some instructions with that, too?

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“A pen my teacher gave me”

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Veyron730/Reddit
Veyron730/Reddit
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There’s encouragement, and then there’s accidentally threatening pen slogans. 'Take your life' seems like a strange motto for your stationary. I know what you meant, but this pen seems a little too edgy for Monday mornings. Next time, maybe add something about succeeding in school or business?

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“Why is the 1 changing?”

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Snowwyflake/Reddit
Snowwyflake/Reddit
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Nothing captures the chaos of leaving the past year behind like a single number flipping mid-air… and maybe landing in 2017 anyway. Is this progress or regression? This is New Year energy: a little confused, but full of hope that things actually move forward this time.

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“'We need to decorate the toilet for the disabled.' 'Say no more'”

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WiggelingOversnipe/Reddit
WiggelingOversnipe/Reddit
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The most extreme sports bathroom ever—nothing gets you inspired to use the facilities quite like a BMXer jumping over your head and a surfer cheering you on. Honestly, for a wheelchair accessible restroom, this is a wild commitment to action. I guess every flush is a new adventure.

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“I see your college and work toilet paper and I raise you my community college 1/2 ply paper”

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deoje299/Reddit
deoje299/Reddit
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Forget single ply—this half-ply college bathroom tissue is so thin, it feels like you’re doing origami every time you visit the restroom. Is this a subtle way to discourage bathroom breaks, or just an athletic challenge for your hand-eye coordination?

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“The Braille on the "ALARM" and "STOP" button on this bus are the same”

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YaBoiJasper/Reddit
YaBoiJasper/Reddit
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Really makes you wonder who double-checked the Braille on these bus buttons. Pressing either 'ALARM' or 'STOP' will give you the same experience, apparently. Adventure time! At least blind passengers won’t have to choose which button to press in an emergency. Maybe they’re both for when you just want off immediately?