From baffling signs to mind-boggling product packaging, we're taking a lighthearted look at everyday design choices that might just make you scratch your head. Get ready to wince and giggle your way through a collection of epic blunders that prove design, done oddly, is the universal language of confusion.
“The An needs M”
Wait, is this supposed to be a clever play on words or am I just standing here overthinking my entire existence? Either way, now I can't stop wondering who took the M from WOMAN and who left AN looking for a friend. Public restroom design: making my bathroom breaks slightly existential since today.
“Holiday spirit is going to cause some accidents. Spot the traffic lights”
Nothing screams 'holiday spirit' quite like being totally unsure if you should stop or go. These decorations are doing an impressive job camouflaging the actual traffic lights. Suddenly, every driver here feels like they're participating in a very dangerous Christmas-themed game show.
“Trying to prevent cyclists from using the ramp, by blocking the passage to everyone with wheels (strollers, wheelchairs, etc)”
Trying to keep cyclists off the ramp accomplished—along with pretty much everyone else with wheels. If you've got a stroller, wheelchair, or heavy suitcase, better find another way. It's the rare accessibility solution that just… isn't for anyone.
“The panic button on my key fob is huge so I can’t have it in my pocket without regularly setting off my truck’s alarm, unless I keep this makeshift cover on it”
I've lost count of how many times I set off my truck alarm instead of just locking the doors. Thanks to this creative homemade cover, everyone on my street can finally get a full night’s sleep. Why is the panic button the size of a pizza slice again?
“Drano suggests to use 1/3 of a bottle, but markings on the side are in 1/4 increments”
Pour 1/3 of the bottle, but the markings are in 1/4 increments? Math wasn’t supposed to be part of the cleaning experience. Now I’m holding drain cleaner and a calculator trying not to lose my mind.
“The air conditioning in this bus has two options. Square and Circle. What is On what is Off? Both don't work.”
Do you want cool air or slightly less cool air? Press square! Or maybe circle? Either way, neither actually works and you’ll just sit there feeling defeated. Is this a bus AC, or a test of faith?
“Maybe it's just my imagination. But these lights obfuscate the number instead of making them more legible”
Nice try making the numbers more visible, but these lights manage to do the exact opposite. Now my room is a mysterious guessing game, illuminated by confusion. Guess I’ll just start knocking on random doors until someone answers.
“If only Louisiana looked like a letter of the alphabet.”
I get it, Louisiana is proud of its shape. But when you use it as the letter ‘O’, I start reading this mug as 'Lave'. State pride meets mild spelling confusion—pour me another cup, I guess.
“If I drive anywhere between 3:00 PM and sunset I get blinded by my cars gearshift surround.”
My car’s shiniest bit turns into a solar death ray every afternoon. Who thought this would be a good idea? I don’t need mood lighting, I just want to see the road without permanent retina damage.
“Condo developers planted trees under the roof.”
Let’s plant some trees! Maybe under a roof, where they’ll be sure to thrive and definitely not die a slow, sunless death. Sometimes you just have to admire the optimism.
“Step 1: pull forward and park in this spot. Step 2: car pulls in behind you. You are now stuck.”
Step 1: Pull into this spot. Step 2: Get completely boxed in by someone else. Congratulations, you live here now! Parking lot logic: just another demonstration that practical design is still a distant dream.
“Why Is Every Hotel Trying To Reinvent Shower Controls”
Oh good, another hotel shower experience where 'ON' and 'OFF' are more of a philosophical concept than an actual guideline. I’m already preparing for the accidental blast of arctic water followed by sudden lava. At this point, I need a degree to just get shampoo out of my hair.