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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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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

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

True, but it's still electrical and deadly. It's clearly not waterproof.

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Danielle
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah this reminds me of a little hotel in the middle of nowhere, Nicaragua, where you got a small but continuous electric shock if you touched the wall. Good times.

Chich
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stayed at one place in northern Thailand and the outlet was in the shower.

Bookworm
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. You can have GFI-protected outlets - although it's probably still better not to test that like this - but to my knowledge, you cannot have GFI-protected switches.

PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes you can, you use a ground fault breaker for the circuit, absolutely 0 chance of any danger, but probably goddamn annoying when it trips

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Bob Brooce
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only problem here is that neither the hot water switch or cold water switch has a dimmer, so how do you adjust the water temperature?

lwolf1952
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just don't try to plug anything in to that "outlet". The toaster won't work there.

Bettye McKee
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a blatant disregard for everything we learned as children.

Moonie Pinkslip
Community Member
2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh sure, it's safe. Try it. Go on.... ( I mean, if someone has to ASK this question, do they deserve the shocking truth? :))

DrBronxx
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a little bit of pedantry, and maybe it’s because in my country we don’t actually use the word “outlet”, but is that actually an outlet? I thought that term was exclusively for plug sockets, not light switches.

People lie carbs dont
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What ?!!!! Lord have mercy!! I’m thinking this was somehow made into a shower , where the wall previously was just already tiled and the switches were already there … bc otherwise, there’s just no explanation for that.

Lewis
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who's dumber, the electrician or the person who thinks this is an outlet?

Steve Robert
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an automatic hair curler. Flip the switch while in the shower, and find out how it does this.

The Shark
Community Member
Premium
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Outlet? Is there more than the hazardous light switch , or should I plug my hair dryer into THAT for a shockingly good time?

PurpleKU77
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But "regulations" are an evil commie plot to keep business from making money....😤

Philybeef
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's wired correctly you'll be safe. Although the lights and everything connected to the circuit will go out and you'll have to reset the breaker every time you take a shower in the dark. Then of course there's the eventual mold problem.

Amy Smith
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of a flat I viewed once where no white goods were provided, I had my own anyway and looked for space for my washer/tumbledryer... I walked into the bathroom and the current tenant had theirs in there, stacked one on top of the other with an exposed set of sockets about a foot from the shower, right in the splash zone. Needless to say, noped out of renting there

Zaach
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

KBR built showers in Iraq that had the outlets 2 inches above the base and a lip that allowed water to pool - why yes, 13 US troops were electricuted

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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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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
2 weeks 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

#50

Looks Really Safe

Looks Really Safe

Altruistic-Ferret835 Report

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