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Good design is effective and efficient in fulfilling its purpose. But so many solutions fall out of this category. Many, in fact, cause more problems than they solve. And they can be quite entertaining.

So let's take a look at the Instagram account that calls itself "the largest collection of C.R.A.P design" on the platform.

The people behind it decipher the acronym as contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity. Let's see if we can find these things in the pictures they share.

More info: Instagram

There can be so many reasons why a product fails. Sam Gwilt, who is a London-based industrial designer and product visualizer and also runs an Instagram and YouTube channel called Sam Does Design, told Bored Panda about the challenges that lurk along the way for one of our earlier pieces on the subject.

First of all, there's lots of sketching. "From research to concept, to refinement, to manufacturing, designing a product is an iterative process that can take years," Gwilt then said.

#3

I Like How They Handled This Toilet Door Design

I Like How They Handled This Toilet Door Design

c.r.a.p.design Report

#5

Fixed It

Fixed It

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LuckyL
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a genius design, when the 420 sign get's stolen a lot. But on the other hand, this one is so special, maybe it doesn't change anything.

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"It's important to understand what the markets and mindsets of customers will be like in the next few years (when the product launches)."

"Once a brief has been set, it's time to design multiple concepts to find the right solution. Sketching, scribbles, and CAD modeling are all useful to refine designs," Gwilt explained.

"Each solution will be prototyped to analyze ergonomics and assembly, usually starting with rough card models, progressing to 3D prints, and then finally to full industrial tooling."

#6

No One Likes Being The Butt Of The Joke

No One Likes Being The Butt Of The Joke

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DEW
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lipstick kiss is what does it for me!! LOL!!

Fluffy mommy panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I first seen this I thought it was actually men with thongs on. I was like what the hell.

glowworm2
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of that barstool that makes your behind look like a donkey’s.

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#7

The Crugg. Ugg X Croc X Toe Shoe. The Ugliest Shoe On The Internet

The Crugg. Ugg X Croc X Toe Shoe. The Ugliest Shoe On The Internet

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love u
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i like crocs (i swim competitively) and even to me these are absolutely the most disgusting thing i have seen this week

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Trying to determine whether or not a particular design is good, many turn to Dieter Rams and his '10 commandments.'

According to the German design legend, good design is innovative, makes a product useful, is aesthetic, makes a product understandable, is unobtrusive, is honest, is long-lasting, is thorough down to the last detail, is environmentally friendly, and involves as little design as possible.

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#9

The Lion, The Sausage And The Bananas?

The Lion, The Sausage And The Bananas?

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#10

Seamless

Seamless

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#11

‘Build Us A Shelf, You’re The Piano Fan Build Us A Shelf With A Light La, La-La, Di-Di-Da’

‘Build Us A Shelf, You’re The Piano Fan Build Us A Shelf With A Light La, La-La, Di-Di-Da’

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"When Dieter Rams defined the 10 principles, he thought that they'd be updated and adapted over time," Gwilt said.

But even though he wrote them a long time ago and technology has advanced light years since then, many think Dieter's principles still apply today.

#13

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

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#14

“Tonight I’m Going To Party Like These Are $19.99”

“Tonight I’m Going To Party Like These Are $19.99”

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"It's a good starting point; a helpful framework, but it's exciting to see new designers from different backgrounds share their voices for what makes good design."

Interestingly, Sam even met Rams in person! You can check out how that went here.

#16

‘Grandma Is On Her Way Over, Put On The Jumpers On She Knitted For You’

‘Grandma Is On Her Way Over, Put On The Jumpers On She Knitted For You’

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#19

This Is A Bad Sign

This Is A Bad Sign

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Jaaawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So this is the toilet for Damiens. Where does everyone else go?

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In Gwilt's own opinion, a good design must first and foremost form an innate connection between the user and the product.

"Someone needs to look at the product and instantly understand what it is and how it can benefit them," he said. 

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#20

Disco Ball, But Interior

Disco Ball, But Interior

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Jaaawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my, imagine taking acid in here. Party on or major freak out= only time will tell.

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#21

I Was Asked To Design A Topless Bar, They Weren’t Happy With The Outcome

I Was Asked To Design A Topless Bar, They Weren’t Happy With The Outcome

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"The goal is to design a product that is understandable and desirable. It should integrate neatly with the existing lifestyle of the customer, and improve it for the better."

"I feel like 'industrial design' has hit a wave of public interest in recent years," the designer and internet personality added.

So maybe we'll be seeing fewer and fewer products like these?

#24

When Nature Calls

When Nature Calls

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BetterBitterButter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When nature calls then you have to answer the call and in this case anyone can listen to your conversation with nature.

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#25

Water Pump

Water Pump

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Reenzy Bennington
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm the least feminine woman I know but OH MY GOD this looks pretty damn cool especially with the rest of the bathroom.

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#26

Bed Bath & Beyond Me

Bed Bath & Beyond Me

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#27

Cargo Dress On, So Far I’ve Lost My Keys, Money, Watch… Send Help

Cargo Dress On, So Far I’ve Lost My Keys, Money, Watch… Send Help

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#28

Toe Shoes

Toe Shoes

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love u
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it took me a while to realize they weren't transparent, my feet still have the cramp though

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#29

Mooooove Over Tiled Splash Backs

Mooooove Over Tiled Splash Backs

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#32

Got A Sinking Feeling About This

Got A Sinking Feeling About This

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#34

What Kind Of Crime Do You Need To Commit To Be Sent Here? *bidet Attachment Extra Charge

What Kind Of Crime Do You Need To Commit To Be Sent Here? *bidet Attachment Extra Charge

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TheAquarius1978
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It might be Ugly and on bad taste, but One thing it os for sure, practical, that is very practical.

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#35

Stare Wars. In A Galaxy Far Far Away, This Makes Sense

Stare Wars. In A Galaxy Far Far Away, This Makes Sense

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#37

Looks Just Like The Real Thing

Looks Just Like The Real Thing

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#38

Pimp My Chair

Pimp My Chair

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Crene
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't really a design fail though. I don't mind having this, as far as it's comfortable

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#39

Rouch Is The New Bouclé

Rouch Is The New Bouclé

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#42

Gamer Of Thrones

Gamer Of Thrones

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#46

Hand Bag

Hand Bag

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Lindsey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you imagine dropping your keys or a headphone in there? You would have to check every individual finger to find them and then somehow fish it out.

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#48

Derelicté Zoolander. The Worst Part Is Wearing Socks With Slippers

Derelicté Zoolander. The Worst Part Is Wearing Socks With Slippers

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#51

‘I Have One Of These! Just Mine Is Made With Real Babies And A Lot Less Creepy’

‘I Have One Of These! Just Mine Is Made With Real Babies And A Lot Less Creepy’

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#53

Necessary Inventions Allows For Multi Tasking

Necessary Inventions Allows For Multi Tasking

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#55

Sexy Airplane We Got You

Sexy Airplane We Got You

c.r.a.p.design Report

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Reenzy Bennington
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These "fashion" designers need to stop humiliating models. And just... need to stop.

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#57

Catastrophe

Catastrophe

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Bug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a little creepy, they should have painted over the screws with the black paint 🎨 😳

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#58

Cantilevered Glass Treads, What Could Go Wrong?

Cantilevered Glass Treads, What Could Go Wrong?

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#59

‘I’ll Taketh Ye To The Realm Of The Knights Of The Clown Table

‘I’ll Taketh Ye To The Realm Of The Knights Of The Clown Table

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#60

Kindly Neighbourhood Grandpa Builds Treehouse For Those Pesky Neighborhood Kids (He Can’t Stand)

Kindly Neighbourhood Grandpa Builds Treehouse For Those Pesky Neighborhood Kids (He Can’t Stand)

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#63

Multitasking No Need For Scented Wardrobe Fresheners

Multitasking No Need For Scented Wardrobe Fresheners

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#69

‘The Family That Poops Together, Stays Together’ - Al Scalpone

‘The Family That Poops Together, Stays Together’ - Al Scalpone

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#71

Setting Aside A Sizeable Nest Egg For Retirement

Setting Aside A Sizeable Nest Egg For Retirement

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#72

Fun For All The Family

Fun For All The Family

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hah hah, this was a very poorly placed advertisement for Edinburgh Zoos' infamous penguin parade.

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#76

When You Start Off Well, Then You Lose The IKEA Instructions

When You Start Off Well, Then You Lose The IKEA Instructions

c.r.a.p.design Report

#77

‘Someone's Squashed Me With A Circular Glass Table Top And Has Listed Me On Ebay’ Cried Out Baby Bear

‘Someone's Squashed Me With A Circular Glass Table Top And Has Listed Me On Ebay’ Cried Out Baby Bear

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#78

Floor Manager

Floor Manager

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#79

Woven Image

Woven Image

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#81

Letus In Bed

Letus In Bed

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love u
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the title for this one kinda pisses me off... needs to be lettuce 😣

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#82

Take Seat, I’ll Be Right With You

Take Seat, I’ll Be Right With You

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#83

Handling It Correctly

Handling It Correctly

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Bug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This must be for people with disabilities, it looks like you could park a wheelchair next to the top step.

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#84

Dolphin Friendly

Dolphin Friendly

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Misstaken138
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd break my ankles in those for sure. My feet hurt just lookin at it.

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#86

I Like My Fashion, Like I Like My Food, With A Basil Garnish

I Like My Fashion, Like I Like My Food, With A Basil Garnish

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#88

Just Dropped Confrontation Pit Or Conversation Death Pit

Just Dropped Confrontation Pit Or Conversation Death Pit

c.r.a.p.design Report

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#89

‘Hoist The Mainsail, Land Ho!’

‘Hoist The Mainsail, Land Ho!’

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#91

Putting Loo In The Drivers Seat

Putting Loo In The Drivers Seat

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#92

‘Barn, Door, Huh (Good God, Y'all) What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing Say It Again, Y'all’

‘Barn, Door, Huh (Good God, Y'all) What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing Say It Again, Y'all’

c.r.a.p.design Report

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JPotts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how may people have taken out these horrible barn doors and installed regular doors?

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#93

I Don’t Like How They Put Bubbles In This Water

I Don’t Like How They Put Bubbles In This Water

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#95

Say My Name, Say My Name

Say My Name, Say My Name

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#97

Trying To Grow An Apple

Trying To Grow An Apple

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#98

They Say The Mad Hatter Went Mad From Mercury Poisoning, This Is The Results

They Say The Mad Hatter Went Mad From Mercury Poisoning, This Is The Results

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#99

Soap Rise Always Have One Handy

Soap Rise Always Have One Handy

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Jaaawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'd be a foot less tall by the time you get home from the rain.

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#101

Room With A View

Room With A View

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Taki Takanashi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I said three times before normalize the open poop time! The placement of this toilet is art.

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#102

Napoleon’s Port-A-Loo Couldn’t Look Away If I Wanted To

Napoleon’s Port-A-Loo Couldn’t Look Away If I Wanted To

c.r.a.p.design Report

#103

Baglight For Life. Can’t Even Use It As A Bag For Life

Baglight For Life. Can’t Even Use It As A Bag For Life

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Show thyself
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've a literal rattan-basket-lampshade at home - light was to bright, rattan-basket not in need ... rattan-basket-lampshade. Wanted to get a proper lampshade since 7 years ago

#104

The Family That Mines Together Crafts Together

The Family That Mines Together Crafts Together

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Jaaawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, they've done it to make their kids happy. I like this one.

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#106

The Team Insisted On A Tree That Was ‘On Brand’

The Team Insisted On A Tree That Was ‘On Brand’

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#109

See Food Let’s Hope It’s Not A Realistic Scent

See Food Let’s Hope It’s Not A Realistic Scent

c.r.a.p.design Report

#110

There’s A Simple Test For Ocd

There’s A Simple Test For Ocd

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