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When designing a product, designers aim to make it functional and, if possible, visually appealing as well. But, let’s be real, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes it feels like they just run with the first idea that pops into their head—whether it works or not!

Today, we’ve rounded up some truly awful designs from the internet to show you that just because something can be made, doesn’t mean it should be. These design fails are so bad, they even seem dangerous. Keep scrolling and prepare to cringe, Pandas!

#1

A Pop-Up In My Car Telling Me The Dangers Of Taking My Eyes Off The Road, Causes Me To Take My Eyes Off The Road

A Pop-Up In My Car Telling Me The Dangers Of Taking My Eyes Off The Road, Causes Me To Take My Eyes Off The Road

It literally came on whilst I was driving!

JakeTee Report

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Christopher Crockett
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever dreamed up the touch screen interface needs to be flogged repeatedly. Whoever thought these things should entirely replace all buttons and dials should be shot.

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#2

When Your Security Gate Is A Ladder

When Your Security Gate Is A Ladder

pcjcusaa1636 Report

#3

If You Ever Thought Kids Getting Hurt One At A Time Isn't Efficient Enough, Here's An Idea

If You Ever Thought Kids Getting Hurt One At A Time Isn't Efficient Enough, Here's An Idea

etthat Report

In today’s competitive market, having a great product design can be quite beneficial for brands. With so many options available in the market, a well-designed product can help set a brand apart from the competition.

Imagine a washing cleaner for utensils that not only comes with better cleaning power but also features an ergonomic design that makes it easy to grip and maneuver. Or this product might incorporate eco-friendly ingredients, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

In a crowded market, such thoughtful design can make all the difference, turning a simple cleaning product into a must-have kitchen essential.

#4

A Rental Car That Depends On You Having Cell Data To Be Able To Run

A Rental Car That Depends On You Having Cell Data To Be Able To Run

kari_paul Report

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#5

The Glass Globe Of This Light Focused The Sunlight Enough To Burn The Sun's Path Into The Grass

The Glass Globe Of This Light Focused The Sunlight Enough To Burn The Sun's Path Into The Grass

ExtraGooseGrease Report

#6

Car At The Bottom Is Flooded. Car At The Top Has Been Totalled

Car At The Bottom Is Flooded. Car At The Top Has Been Totalled

Due to flooding, water got into the mechanism and short circuited it. It raised the platform and this was the result.

Aoibh120 Report

It might seem obvious, but the first thing a good product needs is solid functionality. It should do what it’s meant to do. For instance, consider a blender. Its primary function is to mix and puree ingredients so that you can make smoothies, soups, or sauces. A high-quality blender should effortlessly blend things into a smooth consistency, without leaving chunks behind.

If the blender has a great design and comes in a variety of colors but fails to perform this basic task, then it’s not fulfilling its purpose. Regardless of how sleek or stylish it looks, people might hesitate to purchase it if it doesn't deliver on its promises.

#7

Nothing Like The Smell Of Coffee And A Good Eye Stab In The Morning

Nothing Like The Smell Of Coffee And A Good Eye Stab In The Morning

CosmeBuzzanito Report

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Functionality is more than just getting the job done—it’s about doing it efficiently and easily. If a product is hard to use or overly complicated, people are more likely to walk away frustrated, which can lead to bad reviews.

#10

A Banana Slide That Trains Your Determination. If You Get Lost, Your Crotch Will Die

A Banana Slide That Trains Your Determination. If You Get Lost, Your Crotch Will Die

DonnySRT-10 Report

#12

Our Municipality Finally Made Bike Lanes For Us

Our Municipality Finally Made Bike Lanes For Us

sarsina Report

Then, there’s the importance of durability. A well-designed product that lasts long not only pleases customers but is also better for the environment. Think of antiques or vintage cars; they’re still around because they were built to last. This kind of timeless design can make a product stand out.

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#13

Bicycle Lane In Paris. The Two White Bumps Are Nearly Invisible Because Of The Paint Camouflaging Them

Bicycle Lane In Paris. The Two White Bumps Are Nearly Invisible Because Of The Paint Camouflaging Them

blacksun89 Report

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Max Robitzsch
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And they didn't prevent the asshat parking in the bike path 10m down the track, so failure all the way.

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#15

My Cat Just Trapped Me In The Bathroom By Opening A Drawer

My Cat Just Trapped Me In The Bathroom By Opening A Drawer

LaztheFox Report

#16

The Outlet Is Less Than A Foot Away From The Shower And Is Inside The Curtain. Is This Safe?

The Outlet Is Less Than A Foot Away From The Shower And Is Inside The Curtain. Is This Safe?

Bigger-Chip Report

A product also needs to look good and create an emotional connection with users. A beautiful design can evoke feelings of pride, excitement, or satisfaction, and that’s where brand loyalty starts. People love products that make them feel good.

#18

Removing One Blade Will Definitely Make The Fan Work

Removing One Blade Will Definitely Make The Fan Work

DaNewestGurl Report

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UncleJohn3000
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fan was installed after the original tin room and before the windows. I hope they taped the switch down.

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#19

The Entrance To Our Apartment In Berlin

The Entrance To Our Apartment In Berlin

TurkMcGill Report

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Mrx Mrx
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't worry about your keys, the rats, spiders and possums will guard them with their lives.

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#20

Stoplights In Lake Tahoe Filled With Snow Due To Not Having The Bottom Cut Out To Prevent Snow Accumulation

Stoplights In Lake Tahoe Filled With Snow Due To Not Having The Bottom Cut Out To Prevent Snow Accumulation

Worst_Username_Evar Report

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Aprl Fair
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LED lights don't get hot enough to melt the snow like the old incandescent ones did, a lot of places discover this when they swap them.

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#21

This Kid-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Package. Looks Like One Of Those Apple Sauce Things, No?

This Kid-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Package. Looks Like One Of Those Apple Sauce Things, No?

dank_memed Report

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Yellow dot
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, the fact that its a medical professional holding it tells me somethin' bad already happened with this one.

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However, with all the focus on appearance and usability, safety cannot be overlooked. Some products, despite looking good and functioning well, are dangerous because of design flaws.

Whether it’s faulty home appliances, toys, or even medical devices, defective products can lead to serious risks. These issues often arise from poor design, bad manufacturing, or lack of proper instructions and warnings.

#24

I'm No Architect, But I Think The Design Needs More Bolts

I'm No Architect, But I Think The Design Needs More Bolts

mark_s Report

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Libstak
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are holes for plenty of bolts, the fitters are just lazy or cheap skates.

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It’s crucial for designers to prioritize safety during the development process, ensuring that products are not only attractive and functional but also free from inherent dangers. This holistic approach to product design not only builds consumer trust but also encourages brand loyalty.

#26

A Late Night Bathroom Emergency May Become A Real Trip To The Emergency Room

A Late Night Bathroom Emergency May Become A Real Trip To The Emergency Room

msnoodlecup Report

In the end, great product design is about striking the perfect balance between functionality, aesthetics, usability, and safety. Which of these designs left you scratching your head? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

#28

This Back Road Near My House

This Back Road Near My House

esteban_agpa Report

#29

A Plastic Vent Cover For An Industrial-Strength Heater

A Plastic Vent Cover For An Industrial-Strength Heater

JohnnyCharles Report

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#30

New Windshield Completely Blocks Out Red Lights

New Windshield Completely Blocks Out Red Lights

Pielacine Report

#31

The Road Planners Must Really Hate Cyclists

The Road Planners Must Really Hate Cyclists

progopis Report

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Max Robitzsch
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why handing the design / build jobs to the cheapest bidder is bad. If your designers don't ride bikes and/or don't visit the site (because that costs money! especially when most of the work is outsourced overseas!)...

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#32

The Most Unsafe And Dangerous Design Feature I've Seen In A Hotel

The Most Unsafe And Dangerous Design Feature I've Seen In A Hotel

Rougmeister Report

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C L
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't there a grampa that got in trouble on a cruise ship holding a kid up to a window like this & the shipping company didn't see a problem?

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#33

I Hope The Electrician Knows The Sprinkler Schedule

I Hope The Electrician Knows The Sprinkler Schedule

Augustom11 Report

#34

This Is Just A Plastic Toy, And Not Candy

This Is Just A Plastic Toy, And Not Candy

cylemmulo Report

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Nimitz
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh good! Not only is it not candy, it's also a strangulation hazard. Fun for the whole family!

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#36

One Is A Toilet Cleaner, The Other Is For Washing Dishes. Choose Wisely

One Is A Toilet Cleaner, The Other Is For Washing Dishes. Choose Wisely

Jonlevy93 Report

#37

They Tried To Accommodate Blind People But Failed To See The Problem With This Design

They Tried To Accommodate Blind People But Failed To See The Problem With This Design

kerver2 Report

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#38

This Bench. Where I Live It's Very Hot, And It's Impossible To Sit In This Park

This Bench. Where I Live It's Very Hot, And It's Impossible To Sit In This Park

RocketSmash9000 Report

#40

What Can Go Wrong If We Put The Power Button Next To The Most Used Key? Great Idea, HP Envy

What Can Go Wrong If We Put The Power Button Next To The Most Used Key? Great Idea, HP Envy

Sehrengiz Report

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Keller Worthen
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My school Chromebooks are made by HP and have a very similar button placement. If you double-tap the power button, the Chromebook turns off. Guess what happened during my ACT test...

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#41

I Can’t Be The Only One Who Thinks That This Looks Like Protein Powder

I Can’t Be The Only One Who Thinks That This Looks Like Protein Powder

wuzzle98 Report

#42

Because Who Cares About Fire Safety, Right?

Because Who Cares About Fire Safety, Right?

th3rstyle Report

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Passerby
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually a genius design. When there is a fire, the wooden board will burn away, revealing the exit. The fire exit can't be used until then. (I am just kidding, of course.)

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#43

Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today

Almost Pulled A Michael Scott While Delivering Groceries Today

CrumpetLovin Report

#44

This Soldering Iron Has A Screw On The Handle Directly Connected To The Heat Source. It Was A Burning Surprise To Say The Least

This Soldering Iron Has A Screw On The Handle Directly Connected To The Heat Source. It Was A Burning Surprise To Say The Least

stim_jerling Report

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Nimitz
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, that looks like the cheapest soldering iron you could find so...

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#45

A Bench At A Metro Station

A Bench At A Metro Station

Ryuj1san Report

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#46

Stainless Steel Bench At The Beach. The Temperature Today Is 31°C

Stainless Steel Bench At The Beach. The Temperature Today Is 31°C

unfederica Report

#47

Cherry On Top Of The Road

Cherry On Top Of The Road

bdrnglm Report

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Justin Tyme
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG. I know a place where there is a huge electrical transformer in the middle of a street.

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#48

This Dangerous Bike Lane I Came Across While Biking

This Dangerous Bike Lane I Came Across While Biking

TTwerty Report

#49

This Power Plug Is Connected Exactly On The Opposite Side Of The Shower

This Power Plug Is Connected Exactly On The Opposite Side Of The Shower

demonic_eel Report

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#51

This Hair Bleach

This Hair Bleach

kilearakingdom Report

#53

Room Fragrance Bottles Look Like Wine. Saved By The Sticker

Room Fragrance Bottles Look Like Wine. Saved By The Sticker

macdaibhi90 Report

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Max Robitzsch
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, this is more an "off" design choice than a major fail? Unless those stickers had to be applied retroactively...

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#54

Dangerous Wheelchair Ramp. Even If You Can Climb This Ramp With Your Wheelchair, There Are No Guardrails To Protect You From Falling And Hurting Yourself

Dangerous Wheelchair Ramp. Even If You Can Climb This Ramp With Your Wheelchair, There Are No Guardrails To Protect You From Falling And Hurting Yourself

Alibalinou Report

#55

The Display Doesn’t Indicate Which Tire Is Which. And According To The Manual, The Numbers Are Displayed Randomly Each Time You Drive

The Display Doesn’t Indicate Which Tire Is Which. And According To The Manual, The Numbers Are Displayed Randomly Each Time You Drive

recovery_room Report

#56

My Toaster Melts Its Own Plastic When Toasting

My Toaster Melts Its Own Plastic When Toasting

Thereareways Report

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Mike F
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hell, mine was less than $10 and it still doesn't do that.

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#59

This Electric Heater Can Melt Its Plastic Casing When At Full Power

This Electric Heater Can Melt Its Plastic Casing When At Full Power

ignatirabo Report

#60

Adaptation Of A Historic Building Gone Wrong

Adaptation Of A Historic Building Gone Wrong

Snoo_90160 Report

#61

My Burner Is Too Close To The Wall And The Landlord Just Paints Over The Melted Paint

My Burner Is Too Close To The Wall And The Landlord Just Paints Over The Melted Paint

pootatoifhelp Report

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FreeTheUnicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a fire hazard, if there's no tenants union where you live, report fire code violation to the fire department.

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#62

2023 Custom-Built Ford Box Truck With A Seriously Bad Design Flaw. I Can’t Shut The Driver's Door When I’m Fueling. It’s 7 Degrees With A Sub-Zero Wind Chill Today

2023 Custom-Built Ford Box Truck With A Seriously Bad Design Flaw. I Can’t Shut The Driver's Door When I’m Fueling. It’s 7 Degrees With A Sub-Zero Wind Chill Today

Lewd_ReadNY Report

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Nimitz
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Getting in and out of a vehicle while fueling is the main cause of gas station fires next to smoking at the pump so...

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#63

My Airbnb Assured Me That They Have A "Very Safe" Baby Gate

My Airbnb Assured Me That They Have A "Very Safe" Baby Gate

rakufman Report

#65

This Coffee Grinder Fills Its Base, Motor, And Circuit Boards Up With Grounds. Over 1 Lb Of Grounds Came Out Of The Base, Seemed Like A Fire Hazard So I Chucked It In The Trash

This Coffee Grinder Fills Its Base, Motor, And Circuit Boards Up With Grounds. Over 1 Lb Of Grounds Came Out Of The Base, Seemed Like A Fire Hazard So I Chucked It In The Trash

JO2W Report

#66

Paint On My New Cheap Barbecue Melts When Charcoal Is Burning

Paint On My New Cheap Barbecue Melts When Charcoal Is Burning

vcninja Report

#67

This Slide-Looking Thing Is On The Playground. It's Raised In The Middle And Clearly Not A Slide

This Slide-Looking Thing Is On The Playground. It's Raised In The Middle And Clearly Not A Slide

AlwaysaZero Report

#68

2nd Birthday Badge. Potentially A Choking Hazard

2nd Birthday Badge. Potentially A Choking Hazard

Mozzarella_Firefox Report

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G A
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would you put a pin badge on a toddler anyway? They would easily poke their own eye out.

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#69

Injury Attorney’s Dream Staircase

Injury Attorney’s Dream Staircase

CupioConcrete Report

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Tyranamar Suess
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is this? I could see it in some type of museum or art exhibit.

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#70

Do You Take The Left One, Or Do You Take The Risk Of Being Shoved Into The Right One By The Door? And Yes, That Is The Main Bathroom Door

Do You Take The Left One, Or Do You Take The Risk Of Being Shoved Into The Right One By The Door? And Yes, That Is The Main Bathroom Door

Popo_Capone Report

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G A
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Door should have been installed the other way round. And a door stop installed. Doesn't surprise me bare minimum effort put in for customer toilets. Most in the UK are tiny and gross.

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#71

A Plastic Windowsill Above A Radiator

A Plastic Windowsill Above A Radiator

TheGHere Report

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G A
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a burn though. Unless your heater is working overtime, I think it would melt before it burned. Something else gone on here.

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#72

Saw This House For Rent On Marketplace. Pretty Sure The Death Pit Isn’t Up To Code

Saw This House For Rent On Marketplace. Pretty Sure The Death Pit Isn’t Up To Code

missrutabaga Report

#73

This Hand Dryer At Work Is Kind Of Dangerous (Left - Stall Door, Right - Entrance)

This Hand Dryer At Work Is Kind Of Dangerous (Left - Stall Door, Right - Entrance)

GayLatte Report

#74

Just Saw This Bench Made Of An Old Playground Slide

Just Saw This Bench Made Of An Old Playground Slide

SirCalvin Report

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MsPlants
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

damn they got us when we were young with these things and now that we are older and not playing on playgrounds but sitting on benches while our kids and grandkids are playing they make the damn benches out of those metal slides so we STILL burn ourselves on the damn things when we go to the playground! we can never get away from the metal slides.

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#76

Designers Need To Stop Thinking This Way. One Can Go Up And Down The Stairs Mindlessly, Try Doing The Same Walking On This And It Will Take You To Hell

Designers Need To Stop Thinking This Way. One Can Go Up And Down The Stairs Mindlessly, Try Doing The Same Walking On This And It Will Take You To Hell

Virmire_Survivor Report

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Tabitha
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stairs do not need to be art. They need to be functional—-and safe, ffs!

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#77

"Let's Put The Brake Lights Where Nobody Expects Them To Be" - Buick, Probably

"Let's Put The Brake Lights Where Nobody Expects Them To Be" - Buick, Probably

tangre79 Report

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#78

Great Positioning, Can't Open The Door Or Risk Crushing A Baby

Great Positioning, Can't Open The Door Or Risk Crushing A Baby

Purrrista Report

#79

A Modern Floating Staircase With Wooden Steps Is Looking Like Trip To The Hospital

A Modern Floating Staircase With Wooden Steps Is Looking Like Trip To The Hospital

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

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Max Robitzsch
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's got a handrail, and seems regular at least. It's sh*t design (especially with the short second step every time) but it's not even close to as bad as some of the bad stair designs I have seen on BP.

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#80

My 5-Year-Old Grabbed This Dangerous Cleaning Stuff As Soon As I Got Back From The Shops Because Of The Child-Friendly Packaging. It Even Says Keep Out Of Reach Of Children

My 5-Year-Old Grabbed This Dangerous Cleaning Stuff As Soon As I Got Back From The Shops Because Of The Child-Friendly Packaging. It Even Says Keep Out Of Reach Of Children

ClydeinLimbo Report

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TotallyNOTAFox
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's more on the parent not watching their child or either keeping cleaning chemicals far away enough. The lid is also hard to open for such small children, even I struggle with them sometimes

Tabitha
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It even says “milch” on it. Milk. The child may not be able to read the rest of it, but they will recognize the word milch/milk.

Ace
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see anything "child friendly" about that. They've not pictured the lid, so it's not even a if they're claiming that it's not a childproof opener.

just me
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe the are referring to the bright colors, happy people, and cartoon-like images for child friendly. My first thought was some sort of kid's soap or bubble bath.

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