ADVERTISEMENT

Designing a product, ad, or building is far more difficult of a challenge than you might think. Sure, you could argue that human beings are instinctively artistic and love aesthetics, but the sad truth is that there are far (far!) too many design fails out there. I’m not going to lie, sometimes they keep me awake at night. Thinking about them is both hilarious and terrifying at the same time. And the most powerful pics tend to haunt you for weeks and sometimes months at a time. Good design, why are you so rare?

One of the best places to find some outstanding examples of double-plus-ungood designs is this subreddit right here which shames and pokes fun at them for our amusement. Have a look through some of the best (worst?) design disasters that they featured recently. Remember to upvote the ones that you loved to hate the most and I’d absolutely love to hear which of these were your (least) favorite!

Pssst, Pandas, we know how much you love looking at epic design fails and aesthetic apocalypses, so we cordially invite you to check out Bored Panda’s earlier posts about them after you’re done enjoying and criticizing this list. You’ll find the articles here, here, and here.

#1

Gas Station In Nebraska. The Station's Color Scheme Was Red. They Tried To Get Artsy

Gas Station In Nebraska. The Station's Color Scheme Was Red. They Tried To Get Artsy

aspiecat7 Report

#2

The New School In My Community Has A Wheel Chair Access Button For The Door, But No Way For A Person In A Wheel Chair To Reach It

The New School In My Community Has A Wheel Chair Access Button For The Door, But No Way For A Person In A Wheel Chair To Reach It

crimxie Report

Add photo comments
POST
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inaccessible design is so common and it wouldn't take much thought to change it

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Lex? Derp? Lox? Nope, It's Supposed To Say Jax For Jacksonville, Florida For $18 Million Dollars

Lex? Derp? Lox? Nope, It's Supposed To Say Jax For Jacksonville, Florida For $18 Million Dollars

baltinerdist Report

The subreddit that makes fun of bad designs is a goliath on Reddit with a whopping 2.6 million members. The online group has been active since January 2011 and has become a true pillar of design discussion online, ranging from the silly and fun to the in-depth and serious.

Over the last two years alone, the subreddit grew by nearly a million members from 1.7 million adoring fans. Back then, they were getting 2 million page views per month. That’s proof enough of their popularity.

#4

Great Image To Help Your Kid Not Freak Out While Getting A Haircut

Great Image To Help Your Kid Not Freak Out While Getting A Haircut

g_nome7 Report

#5

Women's Jeans, I Want The Rest Of My Pocket

Women's Jeans, I Want The Rest Of My Pocket

evening_shop Report

Add photo comments
POST
Adam C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeans by Boeing: We give you the whole pocket but you have to pay extra to unlock it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Striped Carpet On Hotel Stairs. Hard To Use Even After Two Weeks And Completly Sober

Striped Carpet On Hotel Stairs. Hard To Use Even After Two Weeks And Completly Sober

OilCareful8232 Report

I previously spoke to a member of the subreddit’s moderator team to learn a bit more about their community. One of the mods told me previously that the “original motivation” of the subreddit was to “point out” horrible designs.

“Nowadays, most subscribers probably come here for entertainment. However, it is common to have meaningful discussion here on why or why not something is [bad] design,” the mod told Bored Panda.

#7

The Placement Of This Baby's Head Wasn't Quite Thought Through

The Placement Of This Baby's Head Wasn't Quite Thought Through

ninimalini Report

ADVERTISEMENT

We might intuitively understand what good design is, however, it’s a real challenge to get the design just right. It’s not just about beauty or function, however (though these are vital, too!). The idea of good design goes deeper still.

ADVERTISEMENT

For instance, researcher Don Norman believes that the essence of design is… communication. “Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating,” he writes in ‘The Design of Everyday Things.’

#10

Pet Clippers That Let You Pull Naked Dogs Out Of Furry Behinds

Pet Clippers That Let You Pull Naked Dogs Out Of Furry Behinds

ssorrenidrag Report

#11

This Bench. Where I Live It Is Very Hot And It Is Impossible To Sit In This Park

This Bench. Where I Live It Is Very Hot And It Is Impossible To Sit In This Park

RocketSmash9000 Report

Add photo comments
POST
troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you can use it to fry eggs and grill some steak. Perfect for a picnic in the park.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Why Is Clear A Green Button While Enter Is Yellow? I Kept Accidentally Clearing My Pin

Why Is Clear A Green Button While Enter Is Yellow? I Kept Accidentally Clearing My Pin

veeveemarie Report

According to Norman, design doesn’t have to be complicated. He argues that usability is just as important as aesthetics. Or, in other words, the product has to be functional and useful, not just a pretty thing to look at.

Norman explains that product design cannot ignore the needs of users. In the book, he argues that good, usable design is entirely possible, not just a dream conjured up by idealists.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time,” he writes that some products are able to satisfy customers’ needs while others only end up frustrating them.

#13

This Sign At The Akron Zoo That Looks Like A Man Peeing In His Own Face

This Sign At The Akron Zoo That Looks Like A Man Peeing In His Own Face

-Error-UserNotFound Report

#14

Rénovations Done To A 500 Years Old Tower

Rénovations Done To A 500 Years Old Tower

scepticeye Report

Add photo comments
POST
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen this one before. This is the only design the council approved after years of fighting and rejecting many much more sympathetic ideas. It's an episode of George Clarke's Restoration Man

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

They Just Don't Go Together

They Just Don't Go Together

terbiun Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dr Nostromo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The concept of jigsaw puzzles apparently eluded the designer of this one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Easy Way To Piss Off A Mailman

Easy Way To Piss Off A Mailman

popstarter Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sigrid Johanesdóttir
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"yes, this is the mail man, I'm dropping all your packages in the gas station good luck"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

A Speed Bump On An Downhill Slope With No Drainage?

A Speed Bump On An Downhill Slope With No Drainage?

M_Alex Report

#18

This Is Not Vitamin D; It's An Emoji On A Bottle Of Magnesium

This Is Not Vitamin D; It's An Emoji On A Bottle Of Magnesium

archfapper Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

If You Say So!

If You Say So!

TML_31 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sage Gusano
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your Honor, the public service announcement instructed me to do so.

AngelWingsYT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not never drink n drive. Drive high Sooo drink n drive High?

Anna Repp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the old high school days we used to say "Don't drink and drive, so you can smoke and fly."

Kyra DarkStar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hopefully whoever designed that didn't drive....like at all...ever.

Jim Price
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a sign on the way home advertising a car dealership not that far away with more than 500 cars, but with the type sizes and placement on the ad, the first and now only thing I can ever see is...OVER 500 MINUTES AWAY!

SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally settled, don't choose - do both - drink and drive and drive high

Hana Mingus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

dont never drink and drive. drive high. Anddd thats why you shouldnt make signs when your drunk or high

Michigan Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dont never not drink, when you drive high. have i got that right?

Mike Loux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The person who came up with this design was enjoying ALL the chemicals.

Frances Sones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As don't never would be a double negative, I assume I should both drink and drive, and drive high...

BastWren
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is the "O" supposed to be, please? My eyes aren't great any more. I get the red part, but what are the other elements?

Steve Barnett
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happens a lot. Take two phrases, but them on the same sign next to each other, but without a visible means of distinguishing one from the other. Intentional?

Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dunno..Maybe smoking a doob would be a good think.I drove high once on weed... I had to be the safest person out there cuz I did the exact speed limit, was checking my mirrors, hands at 10 and 2...all the drivers manual rules were in play. Bad thing was that I tried to eat the steering wheel.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

The Sign Says "Teaching Kids Good Manners", But It Looks Like You're Just Yeeting The Baby Into Trash

The Sign Says "Teaching Kids Good Manners", But It Looks Like You're Just Yeeting The Baby Into Trash

alphaMrWave Report

#22

Got This As A Gift And Honestly I Don't Want To Throw It Away Just Because It's Terribly Funny

Got This As A Gift And Honestly I Don't Want To Throw It Away Just Because It's Terribly Funny

AmberedVal Report

Add photo comments
POST
DM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, I will make the a$$ of myself. What am I missing? I don’t get it?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Thought It Was A Different Language At First

Thought It Was A Different Language At First

TitanicsAnInsideJob Report

#25

The Marbling In These Floor Tiles Makes It Look Like Someone Pooped All Over The Floor

The Marbling In These Floor Tiles Makes It Look Like Someone Pooped All Over The Floor

thisshortenough Report

#26

Sure, Place An Ad With A Guy Drinking Water Next To Rubbing Alcohol Of The Same Brand

Sure, Place An Ad With A Guy Drinking Water Next To Rubbing Alcohol Of The Same Brand

labanapoy Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#27

They Sell Suitcase Covers.. But The Photoshop Is Just Awful

They Sell Suitcase Covers.. But The Photoshop Is Just Awful

suscript25 Report

#28

Maybe I Shouldn't Park Here

Maybe I Shouldn't Park Here

1pcbetterthanxbox Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can bet that if that was in my country you would definitely see parked cars

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Is This Andre The Giant’s Treadmill?

Is This Andre The Giant’s Treadmill?

phillypharm Report

#31

Practical Bathroom

Practical Bathroom

schen4181 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the sink is downstairs? the bath in some sort of weird glass upstairs nook and the toilet in the cubby beneath? Wow

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

How On Earth Can The Overpass Be Flooded?!

How On Earth Can The Overpass Be Flooded?!

jndlcrz888 Report

#33

Restaurant Bathroom: One Mirror Panel On Top, One On The Bottom...no Way To See Myself In Between

Restaurant Bathroom: One Mirror Panel On Top, One On The Bottom...no Way To See Myself In Between

freckledfrida Report

#34

This Amazon Photo Where The Kids Don't Even Look At The Toys

This Amazon Photo Where The Kids Don't Even Look At The Toys

MeteorBladeV2 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#35

Welcome Shorpers

Welcome Shorpers

directtides72 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Serial pacifist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pirate shopping center. Arrrgh, shorpers, ye come in and purcharse something, ay.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Don’t Have Hep C? Get Some!

Don’t Have Hep C? Get Some!

Dtomnom Report

#37

This Frozen 2 Temporary Tattoo Is Supposed To Say "Face Your Fear", But The First Two Words Are Written In An Orange-Ish Color

This Frozen 2 Temporary Tattoo Is Supposed To Say "Face Your Fear", But The First Two Words Are Written In An Orange-Ish Color

Vencero_JG Report

#38

This Shirt That Looks Like It’s Covered In Coffee Stains

This Shirt That Looks Like It’s Covered In Coffee Stains

TheMrMeatball Report

Add photo comments
POST
beastmachine.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh this is perfect excuse shirt for Monday mornings when you drop coffee hastily

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

He's Either Sucking On Her Head, Or He Is A Raccoon Cap... Not Sure Which Disturbs Anymore

He's Either Sucking On Her Head, Or He Is A Raccoon Cap... Not Sure Which Disturbs Anymore

embarrased_to_Ask_42 Report

#40

The Balcony Of My Hotel In Switzerland Is Only Accessible Through The Window

The Balcony Of My Hotel In Switzerland Is Only Accessible Through The Window

loulan Report

#41

This Tea Will Change Your Image Size Ratio!

This Tea Will Change Your Image Size Ratio!

Am-Linguist Report

#42

The Design Of This Pillowcase Makes It Look Like There Are Bugs Crawling On It

The Design Of This Pillowcase Makes It Look Like There Are Bugs Crawling On It

FreshSansSimp Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#43

This Hose Cart Creates Water From Thin Air

This Hose Cart Creates Water From Thin Air

pzPat Report

Add photo comments
POST
DM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We’ve figured out our solution to severe draughts and wildfires in North America!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

The Shower In My Dorm Freshman Year (I'm Only 5'7)

The Shower In My Dorm Freshman Year (I'm Only 5'7)

xxsoulpunkedxx Report

#48

A Very Easy To Read Graph About Texting While Driving? Found In My High School Yearbook

A Very Easy To Read Graph About Texting While Driving? Found In My High School Yearbook

Buddhacream Report

#49

Is This Cake Like Deadpool?

Is This Cake Like Deadpool?

ydarbj1 Report

#50

In A Friend's Wedding Goodie Bag

In A Friend's Wedding Goodie Bag

korzorro Report

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#51

These Sodas Are Kind Of Flat

These Sodas Are Kind Of Flat

mopeiobebeast Report

#52

Water Bottle Designed To Go In The Freezer Breaks When Put In The Freezer

Water Bottle Designed To Go In The Freezer Breaks When Put In The Freezer

Furfty Report

#53

The Cowardly Lion Has Seen Some Things

The Cowardly Lion Has Seen Some Things

Catsarethebest1123 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Zoe Gillenwater
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was this painted by the same woman who did the monkey Jesus painting in that church?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#54

Supplying Your Restaurant Ac Through The Giant Inlet Next To The Toilet

Supplying Your Restaurant Ac Through The Giant Inlet Next To The Toilet

ziggyzaggyziggyzaggy Report

Add photo comments
POST
Al Cook
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to laugh at this. Imagine receiving your main course but smelling nothing but s**t!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

A "Supposed" Spongebob Ice Cream. It Was Delicious Tho

A "Supposed" Spongebob Ice Cream. It Was Delicious Tho

Ra_245 Report

#56

Extractor Hood Installed Low Over The Hob

Extractor Hood Installed Low Over The Hob

flopsychops Report

Add photo comments
POST
Carmen Honacker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh dear. How does one actually cook on this? Looks like I can't fit a large pot on the stove either.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#57

This Bench Has A Fountain For A Backrest

This Bench Has A Fountain For A Backrest

rio106 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The sad thing is this HAD to go through multiple levels of planning and approval without anyone thinking this was an issue

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#58

These Doors Open Into Each Other And Get Stuck Together

These Doors Open Into Each Other And Get Stuck Together

anfletch Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#61

This Speed Hump They Installed In Front Of My House Is About As Useful As A Perforated Cereal Bowl. People Just Drive Down The Middle Of The Road To Avoid It

This Speed Hump They Installed In Front Of My House Is About As Useful As A Perforated Cereal Bowl. People Just Drive Down The Middle Of The Road To Avoid It

deplorable_guido Report

#62

Dog? Silhouette At A Well-Known Big Box Store

Dog? Silhouette At A Well-Known Big Box Store

squidyc Report

#63

My Dog’s After-Shot Bandage. It’s Not Blood, It’s Red Ice Cream Cones, Duh!

My Dog’s After-Shot Bandage. It’s Not Blood, It’s Red Ice Cream Cones, Duh!

gabbee140 Report

#66

Congrats 2201

Congrats 2201

emo8765 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#67

They Tried To Make This Hair Tonic Look Piratey, But It Only Really Looks Like Poison When You Put A Jolly Roger On A Bottle

They Tried To Make This Hair Tonic Look Piratey, But It Only Really Looks Like Poison When You Put A Jolly Roger On A Bottle

RiccoBaldo Report

#69

Faces Printed On Car Windows Will Never Work Out

Faces Printed On Car Windows Will Never Work Out

IntelligentAd7057 Report

#70

Bought An Automatic Soap Dispenser. It Could Not Resist Water And The Batteries Rusted

Bought An Automatic Soap Dispenser. It Could Not Resist Water And The Batteries Rusted

Eq3P Report

Add photo comments
POST
DM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use these and noticed the newer ones all are becoming rechargeable. Probably for this reason?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#71

The Designer Were On Something

The Designer Were On Something

GustavBruzelius Report

Add photo comments
POST
2WheelTravlr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a design flaw, and installation flaw. The unit should be rotated 90 degrees.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#72

It's Time To Sun Your Cheeks

It's Time To Sun Your Cheeks

ImpudicusFungus Report

Add photo comments
POST
beastmachine.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this also mean that you can't get a dog but still have to pick up random turd?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#73

This Uncomfortable Cup Which You Can't Hold Without Touching The Hot Side

This Uncomfortable Cup Which You Can't Hold Without Touching The Hot Side

lurdlord Report

#74

Its Like Someone Sh*t On It

Its Like Someone Sh*t On It

gungingingangingin Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#75

The Glare Was Dazzling Everytime The Sun Came Out

The Glare Was Dazzling Everytime The Sun Came Out

mbloomer04 Report

#76

The New High School In My Area Has These Football/Soccer Goals With No Sides To Stop The Ball

The New High School In My Area Has These Football/Soccer Goals With No Sides To Stop The Ball

danielsenorjan Report

Add photo comments
POST
DM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how the design of the fence is amazingly keeping that field enclosed until you look at the goals. Maybe it’s for walking through access.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#77

I My Bike

I My Bike

Ja90n Report

#79

I Just Wanted A Normal Sonic Figure But Got Whatever This Is Instead (From A Mystery Suprise Toy Box)

I Just Wanted A Normal Sonic Figure But Got Whatever This Is Instead (From A Mystery Suprise Toy Box)

Spookyshoess Report