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We’re all very mindful of aesthetics, whether we’re consciously aware of it or not. On an instinctive level, we deeply enjoy looking at beautiful things. It’s not only that, though. We want that which is beautiful. Lance Hosey writes in The New York Times: “Brain scan studies reveal that the sight of an attractive product can trigger the part of the motor cerebellum that governs hand movement. Instinctively, we reach out for attractive things; beauty literally moves us.”

However, there is a parallel narrative running alongside this. To put it bluntly—we’re also fascinated by that which is ugly and bizarre. Truly horrendous art, horrible designs, and unaesthetic projects can capture our imagination like nothing else. Whether these things are so unaesthetic they loop back around and become aesthetic becomes a moot question when you’re stuck there, looking deep into the abyss, wondering whether to run away or share the image with your friends.

Luckily, we’re not the only ones who have a fascination with the (un)aesthetic side of the internet. The ‘Things that are not aesthetic’ Facebook page with nearly 3.5 million followers is a celebration of everything that makes us uncomfortable (yet keeps our eyes glued to the screen). Check out some of the most intriguing, weird, and unaesthetic posts featured on the online group, which is part of the Dank Channel project, upvote the ones that you particularly enjoyed hating, and go join them if it’s something that’s right up your alley.

More info: Facebook | DankChannel.com

#1

There's No Time To Explain. Get In The Pea

There's No Time To Explain. Get In The Pea

amyis_trying Report

#3

My Bubble Bath Better Calm Tf Down

My Bubble Bath Better Calm Tf Down

Things that are not aesthetic Report

The Dank Channel project was created by Levi Cameron Grenko back in 2013. The social media manager has very ambitious goals, including to "make a difference on the world as a whole" through memes.

This isn’t the first time that Bored Panda has written about crimes against good design and aesthetics. Ugliness and weirdness are both pretty popular, it seems. And they’ve got some things in common.

Recently, I spoke with Swiss design aficionados Jonas Nyffenegger and Sébastien Mathys about their ‘Ugly Design’ project over on Instagram. Ugliness, especially how it clashes with picture-perfect social media feeds, is a fascination of theirs.

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#5

Do Not Eat

Do Not Eat

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#6

It's Bad When A Thrift Store Doesn't Like Our Odds For The Future

It's Bad When A Thrift Store Doesn't Like Our Odds For The Future

Things that are not aesthetic Report

"As our love for ugliness keeps growing, the line between ugly and beauty is getting a bit blurred," the guys behind the ‘Ugly Design’ page told me during an earlier interview. "It appears more and more of our followers have completely lost their taste. That’s a good thing. It means they’ll have to find it again. It will most likely be forever changed."

Jonas and Sébastien told me that part of the appeal of badly designed objects is that they create a stark contrast to what you can usually find while scrolling down in your Instagram feed.

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“When seeing an ugly design rather than perfect aesthetics (as defined in the 21st century)—scrollers takes notice. Also, @Uglydesign never gets predictable—that is key to maintain and grow followers in our opinion,” the pair noted that we should avoid predictability and conventions if we want to get noticed in a space where ‘perfection’ is, more often than not, the norm.

#10

I Appreciate How Well Done This Is, But It Gives Me Severe Anxiety

I Appreciate How Well Done This Is, But It Gives Me Severe Anxiety

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#11

You Gotta Love Trevor, The Emo Pony

You Gotta Love Trevor, The Emo Pony

Things that are not aesthetic Report

“We find it crazy that this theme can still surprise us and make us laugh so much after having dug into it for so long,” they said. “We are posting various topics under the theme of ugly design, from maximalism to design fails, covering everything from luxurious furniture, jewelry, fashion, nail art, architecture, to upcycling… And except for some designs fail, we believe it is an incredible source of inspiration and joy.”

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It should be clear by now that unaesthetic things and designs are just as important as aesthetic ones, as far as inspiration and social commentary both go. However, which ones grab our attention the hardest is still up for grabs. 

#13

Found This Cool Dress On Clearance

Found This Cool Dress On Clearance

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#14

Aesthetic Shadow

Aesthetic Shadow

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#15

Jfc That’s Horrifying

Jfc That’s Horrifying

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#16

This Would Work Better Than Giving Me Flowers

This Would Work Better Than Giving Me Flowers

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#17

The Surgery Went Perfectly

The Surgery Went Perfectly

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#18

But When Are You Hiring?

But When Are You Hiring?

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#19

Oh, Sweet Jesus

Oh, Sweet Jesus

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#20

“I Don’t Need To Trace It...i Know How Big Letters Should Be.”-John Mulaney

“I Don’t Need To Trace It...i Know How Big Letters Should Be.”-John Mulaney

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#21

Going Into Trendy Restaurants Like

Going Into Trendy Restaurants Like

kdriley05 Report

#22

My Dog When I'm Changing The Sheets On My Bed And She Refuses To Move

My Dog When I'm Changing The Sheets On My Bed And She Refuses To Move

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#23

Bow Hunting With Style

Bow Hunting With Style

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#24

I’m Intrigued

I’m Intrigued

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#25

It's A Tiny Stage For A Mouse Comedian

It's A Tiny Stage For A Mouse Comedian

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#26

That Is Not Aesthetic

That Is Not Aesthetic

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#27

Idk What’s More Embarrassing: Owning These, Or Getting Your Ass Whooped By Someone Wearing These

Idk What’s More Embarrassing: Owning These, Or Getting Your Ass Whooped By Someone Wearing These

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#28

Apartment Balcony, But Inside

Apartment Balcony, But Inside

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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

What an interesting way to meet your neighbors... I hate it

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

Hahaha exactly my thought!! "What kind of curtains would you like? I want a wall! Just build a wall!"

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

Warm lighting and some potplants would make this quite nice.

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

Plastic potplants because no real plant could live in that sunless corridor.

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

this could also be like one of those assisted homes where they they and make it look like a little town, but mid remodel.

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

Yes, I was picturing the old folks hanging out on their balconies and talking to their neighbors across the hall. Like they’re outside, but climate controlled.

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

https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginiaTech/comments/kd3v8s/procrastikait_gives_us_a_tour_of_the_tech_village/

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

im very uncomfortable with the energy we've created in the studio today

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

what purpose would those serve? you can't put a bbq on it. you can't smoke on it. no plants would grow on it. hang your laundry... maybe? store your bike?- but then you gotta haul it thru the rest of the apt and put it out there.

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

The indoor outdoor experience... they could have carpeted in green AstroTurf and added some plant murals.

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

Sitting on the balcony, under the glaring fluorescent lights????

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

You can't even make an excuse that you're watching the scenery. You'd literally be waiting for the scenery to walk onto the balcony across the hall.

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

Honestly I like it. But who mops the hall? I would rent there if it was a 2 bedroom apt.

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

perhaps a seniorhome, to keep them safe? I can see some use of this

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

This is not real....it just cant be real.. I won't believe it

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

Real talk, I would use that to check the door below. What are they gonna do? Yell at me while I slide back inside and don't open me ground floor door?

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

Definitely a repurposing of a commercial building. My first thought was that the balconies, even indoor, support neighborly interaction.

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#29

Slice Out Negativity, It’s A Lifestyle

Slice Out Negativity, It’s A Lifestyle

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#30

Thomas Has Never Seen Such Jerry Rigging

Thomas Has Never Seen Such Jerry Rigging

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#31

When The Birthmark Is Part Of The Tattoo

When The Birthmark Is Part Of The Tattoo

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#32

Do I Have To Wear Anything Under It? ( O Y O )

Do I Have To Wear Anything Under It? ( O Y O )

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#33

Just Yeehaw It

Just Yeehaw It

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#36

Literal Hell

Literal Hell

9.9k

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#38

Thanks, I Hate It

Thanks, I Hate It

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#41

Poopin With The Homies

Poopin With The Homies

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#44

This Is A Mood

This Is A Mood

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#45

Tbh This Would Be Amazing On A Hot Day

Tbh This Would Be Amazing On A Hot Day

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#46

Got Them LED Installed

Got Them LED Installed

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#47

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Plants

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Plants

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#48

Seeing This All I Can Think Of Is That Video Series Where Goofy Says "Where's My Money!!!"

Seeing This All I Can Think Of Is That Video Series Where Goofy Says "Where's My Money!!!"

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#49

Maybe They Have Ocd And Have Literally Clocked What The Average Time They’re Open On Any Given Day

Maybe They Have Ocd And Have Literally Clocked What The Average Time They’re Open On Any Given Day

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#50

Never Paint Your Nails Again With These Bad Boys.

Never Paint Your Nails Again With These Bad Boys.

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#51

Anti Baby Cage

Anti Baby Cage

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#52

Forbidden Sandwich

Forbidden Sandwich

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#53

Eating An Apple To Start My Day

Eating An Apple To Start My Day

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#55

This Staircase

This Staircase

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#56

Holding 2020 Together

Holding 2020 Together

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#57

Get Me That Ceiling. Sir Sir! Get Me That Ceiling!

Get Me That Ceiling. Sir Sir! Get Me That Ceiling!

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#59

This Is The Last Damn Time I Order From Wish. Genuine AirPods My Ass

This Is The Last Damn Time I Order From Wish. Genuine AirPods My Ass

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#60

A Grown Man? This Is How My 4 Year Old Puts Things Away

A Grown Man? This Is How My 4 Year Old Puts Things Away

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#61

The Toppings Were Scared Away

The Toppings Were Scared Away

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#62

Looks Like A Future Crime Scene

Looks Like A Future Crime Scene

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#65

A Nice Ice Cream To End My Day

A Nice Ice Cream To End My Day

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#66

What Country Is This?

What Country Is This?

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#67

Enjoying Some Kit-Kat’s After A Long Day

Enjoying Some Kit-Kat’s After A Long Day

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#68

Love This Midwest Weather

Love This Midwest Weather

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#69

Sequin Nicolas Cage Pillow Case

Sequin Nicolas Cage Pillow Case

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#71

Super Mario World: Nintendo 1990

Super Mario World: Nintendo 1990

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#72

Hot Girl Summer

Hot Girl Summer

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#73

As A Fomer Smoker, Just Looking At This Gives Me Heart Palpitations

As A Fomer Smoker, Just Looking At This Gives Me Heart Palpitations

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#75

The Chad Victorian Gaming Chair

The Chad Victorian Gaming Chair

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#76

I Am Confused

I Am Confused

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#77

Dang One Second Off

Dang One Second Off

29k

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#80

Imagine It Being Pitch Ass Dark, Half Asleep, And Walking To The Bathroom

Imagine It Being Pitch Ass Dark, Half Asleep, And Walking To The Bathroom

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#81

Morgan And Morgan, For The Tiny Mouth

Morgan And Morgan, For The Tiny Mouth

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#82

Please Slow Down And Stop Thank You Very Much

Please Slow Down And Stop Thank You Very Much

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#83

40oz Tomahawk Steak With American Cheese Slices

40oz Tomahawk Steak With American Cheese Slices

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#84

This Is Peak Relationship Goals

This Is Peak Relationship Goals

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#85

This Is Peak Relationship Goals

This Is Peak Relationship Goals

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#86

Doing A Little Meal Prep For The Week

Doing A Little Meal Prep For The Week

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#87

Zillow: “Cozy Two Story House For Sale. $350,000.” The House:

Zillow: “Cozy Two Story House For Sale. $350,000.” The House:

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#89

Hello My Name Is

Hello My Name Is

5k

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#90

They Were Asking $10

They Were Asking $10

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#91

Homie Mmmmmm

Homie Mmmmmm

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#92

For Those Cold Nights

For Those Cold Nights

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#93

Science Has Gone Too Far This Time

Science Has Gone Too Far This Time

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#94

Grow A Boyfriend

Grow A Boyfriend

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#95

Chernobyl Variety?

Chernobyl Variety?

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#96

Hats You Can Smell

Hats You Can Smell

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#97

Potluck At Work Gonna Be Fire

Potluck At Work Gonna Be Fire

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#98

I’ve Had It Up To Here With My Meat Shrinking

I’ve Had It Up To Here With My Meat Shrinking

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#99

What The Hell Is This?

What The Hell Is This?

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#102

The Junk Yard

The Junk Yard

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#104

Ngl I’d Try It

Ngl I’d Try It

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#105

This Looks Like It Took Brains To Make

This Looks Like It Took Brains To Make

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#106

Quality Home Cookin’

Quality Home Cookin’

Things that are not aesthetic Report

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#107

Idk How This Feels I Live In Oregon

Idk How This Feels I Live In Oregon

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#108

Ravioli Holder For Those Long Trips

Ravioli Holder For Those Long Trips

Things that are not aesthetic Report

#109

Mmm Portable Hotdog Maker

Mmm Portable Hotdog Maker

Things that are not aesthetic Report