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Some product designs have been around so long that we often take their convenience for granted. We all know that everyday items like keys or forks are designed with specific characteristics so that they can actually be practical in our day-to-day lives. But have you ever wondered how these same objects would look if they were intentionally created to make your life miserable?

If you're curious about such absurd design choices, look no further than the subreddit r/AwesomelyUseless. There, you'll find the finest collection of the most bizarre "upgrades" made by designers. While these creations may overall look great, they serve absolutely no practical purpose and might infuriate you instead. Reflecting on these useless items might lead us to consider how people with special needs might feel when faced with everyday objects that are difficult or even impossible to use.

So, next time you reach for a regular old fork or key, take a moment to appreciate the thought that some professional has put into designing it to make your life somewhat better.

#1

I’m Sure You’ve All Seen This Before, But I’m Posting It Anyway

I’m Sure You’ve All Seen This Before, But I’m Posting It Anyway

reddit.com Report

Giles McArdell
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I bought some dehydrated water, but didn't know what to add" (Steven Wright)

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    #2

    Just Incase You Didn't Have Enough Trouble Finding Normal Golfballs

    Just Incase You Didn't Have Enough Trouble Finding Normal Golfballs

    Noxova Report

    #3

    This Is Some Platform 9¾ Level Cycle Path

    This Is Some Platform 9¾ Level Cycle Path

    Noxova Report

    #4

    You Need A Trolley And An Owl To Get Off Of This Escalator

    You Need A Trolley And An Owl To Get Off Of This Escalator

    Noxova Report

    MadameMalfoy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it’s not working bc they are muggles, duh!

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    #5

    Make Your Baby Do The Cleaning

    Make Your Baby Do The Cleaning

    reddit.com Report

    Super Beast
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this makes sense to me (i have no kids)

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    #6

    I've Been Wondering How I Should Rewind Dvd's All This Time

    I've Been Wondering How I Should Rewind Dvd's All This Time

    Noxova Report

    Ashbug
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    About as useful as blinker fluid

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    #7

    Post Not In Use

    Post Not In Use

    Noxova Report

    #8

    I Actually Really Want One Of These

    I Actually Really Want One Of These

    Noxova Report

    Wolfo_not_found
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can imagine someone accidentally cutting their mouth with that

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    #9

    Not Only Is This Useless, It Looks Like Even More Work

    Not Only Is This Useless, It Looks Like Even More Work

    Noxova Report

    Averysleepypanda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oooh but I love the feel and sound of a typewriter so although useless I still want lol

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    #10

    This Has To Be A Joke Right?

    This Has To Be A Joke Right?

    Noxova Report

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Goop's peak revenue was $18M in 2022. I can also believe slapping the word diet on water will sell millions of bottles

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    #11

    What's The Point?

    What's The Point?

    reddit.com Report

    Spannermonkey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a 2-way mirror and the inside coating peeled off where they've put the sign.

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    #12

    Well Crap, There Goes My Dinner Plan!

    Well Crap, There Goes My Dinner Plan!

    Noxova Report

    Reyes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not gonna lie, a neck like that would look really cool.

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    #13

    This Picture Really Brings Light To One Of The Most Useless Gadgets Ever

    This Picture Really Brings Light To One Of The Most Useless Gadgets Ever

    Noxova Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i Actually kind of like this. Not totally useless.

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    #14

    The Sole Reason For These $425 Gold Pills Is To Make Your Excrement Glittery

    The Sole Reason For These $425 Gold Pills Is To Make Your Excrement Glittery

    Noxova Report

    Moomin from Denmark
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me... Who is going to see the sparkly poops?

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    #15

    I Thought I’d Seen It All... But Nope, USB Pet Rock

    I Thought I’d Seen It All... But Nope, USB Pet Rock

    Noxova Report

    TonyTee
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If somebody showed me this as their new “pet” I’d show em my new pet too, a piece of paper

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    #16

    There’s One Key Flaw In This Design

    There’s One Key Flaw In This Design

    Noxova Report

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because finding the keyhole isn't enough of a challange when it's 1am and your drunk

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    #17

    This Sun Visor That Blocks Nothing

    This Sun Visor That Blocks Nothing

    ultrafire3 Report

    #18

    Stylish Diving Is The New Trend

    Stylish Diving Is The New Trend

    Noxova Report

    Undercover
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ugly and useless in fashion equals a hefty price tag...

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    #19

    I'm Sure It Has A Great View, But Good Luck Getting There!

    I'm Sure It Has A Great View, But Good Luck Getting There!

    Noxova Report

    #20

    I Bet They Made Some Serious Dough Selling These

    I Bet They Made Some Serious Dough Selling These

    Noxova Report

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the filling is a must for meat lovers

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    #21

    Because Your Guinea Pigs Can't Go Around Looking Cute And Adorable!

    Because Your Guinea Pigs Can't Go Around Looking Cute And Adorable!

    Noxova Report

    Pascal’s Swagger
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Breaking the law, breaking the law! 🎶🎵 🎸 🐹

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    #22

    No More Losing Remotes Down The Side Of The Couch

    No More Losing Remotes Down The Side Of The Couch

    Noxova Report

    Gin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lost remotes in my house are always under my dog!

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    #23

    Perfect For On The Go Viewing When You're Out Of Data!

    Perfect For On The Go Viewing When You're Out Of Data!

    Noxova Report

    Reyes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YouTube is introducing new product, offline YouTube. Only £5 a month, get it now!

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    #24

    I Hope These Never Catch On

    I Hope These Never Catch On

    Noxova Report

    #25

    Take The Goldfish For A Walk

    Take The Goldfish For A Walk

    reddit.com Report

    Remi Flynne
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not just useless, could be positively harmful!

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    #26

    It’s A Dog Eat Dog World

    It’s A Dog Eat Dog World

    Noxova Report

    CorgiBuns
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I own one of these, my kid loves it and feels like a big boy for cutting his own hotdogs. Not useless at all

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    #27

    Does This Offend Eastern Cultures Less?

    Does This Offend Eastern Cultures Less?

    Noxova Report

    Greenmantle
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that's actually really clever. Want to use chopsticks? Fine, use the ends. Need a spoon? Use the other end.

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    #28

    Picnic Pants

    Picnic Pants

    reddit.com Report

    #29

    This Looks Like Something Only Lady Gaga Would Wear

    This Looks Like Something Only Lady Gaga Would Wear

    Noxova Report

    HungryPanda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean it looks silly, but probably gets the job done.

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #30

    Peel The Potato And Your Skin, 2 For 1!

    Peel The Potato And Your Skin, 2 For 1!

    Noxova Report

    Donna Peluda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had one of these. There was a cover you put over the blade you weren't using that double as a handle. Very practical. I lost it in a move and still keep an eye out to see if I can find one.

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    #31

    Because Cracking An Egg Is So Difficult

    Because Cracking An Egg Is So Difficult

    waxer2672 Report

    Undercover
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No wonder the oceans are full of plastic waste... Who produces this bullshitt? And is there anyone of sane mind buying things like these?

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    #32

    Is This A Bowl Or A Spoon?

    Is This A Bowl Or A Spoon?

    Noxova , Katerina Kamprani Report

    #33

    Good Luck Doing Any Sums That Involve 1's

    Good Luck Doing Any Sums That Involve 1's

    Noxova Report

    #34

    What Could Be Cooler Than A Watermelon Coo... Oh Never Mind

    What Could Be Cooler Than A Watermelon Coo... Oh Never Mind

    Noxova Report

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yubari King Melons cost up to $45,000. I'd have an armed escort from the supermarket as well

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    #35

    This Door Doesn’t Even Lock

    This Door Doesn’t Even Lock

    okok321 Report

    Sammy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the entrance to the next backrooms level.

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    #36

    I Would Pay Good Money To Watch Someone Try And Water Their Garden With This

    I Would Pay Good Money To Watch Someone Try And Water Their Garden With This

    Noxova , Katerina Kamprani Report

    Reyes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Environmentally friendly watering can. Reuse your water instead of pouring it away.

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    #37

    Lip-Stick This Thing In The Bin

    Lip-Stick This Thing In The Bin

    Noxova Report

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why am I suddenly craving, liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti

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    #38

    You’d Wine A Lot About It If Someone Bought You This

    You’d Wine A Lot About It If Someone Bought You This

    Noxova , katerina.kamprani Report

    #39

    "Every Inch Matters"

    "Every Inch Matters"

    Noxova Report

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    #40

    You Can't Even Eat The Cone After

    You Can't Even Eat The Cone After

    Noxova Report

    #41

    Health And Safety Has Gone Mad

    Health And Safety Has Gone Mad

    Noxova Report

    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The rest of the fence has already gone down the cliffs.

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    #42

    I'm Sure These Are Extremely Effective

    I'm Sure These Are Extremely Effective

    Noxova Report

    #43

    Bingo But Every Card Is The Same !merry Christmas

    Bingo But Every Card Is The Same !merry Christmas

    Irishrocklobste Report

    #44

    What, Why, Who, No

    What, Why, Who, No

    Noxova Report

    #45

    Inflatable Neck Brace?

    Inflatable Neck Brace?

    Noxova Report

    Spannermonkey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, some mornings I reckon I'd happily wear one of them and stick about 45psi in it to straighten-out the kinks.

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    #46

    A Tool That Can Slice Hot Dogs Into Little Hot Dog People, That Kids Can Then Devour Without Mercy

    A Tool That Can Slice Hot Dogs Into Little Hot Dog People, That Kids Can Then Devour Without Mercy

    waxer2672 Report

    Anon Ymous
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we call the majority of this list what it really is? Dystopian level mindless consumerism.

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    #47

    You’d Have To Be A Mug To Buy This

    You’d Have To Be A Mug To Buy This

    Noxova , katerina.kamprani Report

    #48

    Let Me Introduce You To The Cuecat, The Early 2000 Home Barcode Scanner

    Let Me Introduce You To The Cuecat, The Early 2000 Home Barcode Scanner

    Starbucks-Hammer Report

    #49

    But You Couldn't Just Use A Bag?

    But You Couldn't Just Use A Bag?

    waxer2672 Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #50

    Is This The Most Spoilt Goldfish There Has Ever Been?

    Is This The Most Spoilt Goldfish There Has Ever Been?

    Noxova Report

    Liam Walsh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. This would be a very unlucky goldfish: "moving the tank or the fish can cause great upheaval. It can even lead to injuries and stress-related sicknesses among your fish."

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    #51

    Really?

    Really?

    Dryslap2000 Report

    #52

    Absolutely Pointless, And Yet I Want One

    Absolutely Pointless, And Yet I Want One

    Noxova Report

    Giles McArdell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Useful for parties when you have a plate of food in one hand and a fork in the other.

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    #53

    It's Probably More Effort Getting This Thing Out To Use Than It Is To Just Press The Buttons

    It's Probably More Effort Getting This Thing Out To Use Than It Is To Just Press The Buttons

    Noxova Report

    Two_rolling_black_eyes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not everyone has two functional hands. This is an old picture of an occupational therapy device for stroke victims.

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    #54

    The Whole Thing Is A Ramp

    The Whole Thing Is A Ramp

    Dominicmeoward Report

    Giles McArdell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perhaps having the handrails there is useful - any wheelchair users care to enlighten us?

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    #55

    More Like Bay Leaf This One On The Shelf And Don’t Buy It

    More Like Bay Leaf This One On The Shelf And Don’t Buy It

    Noxova Report

    Jess S.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how they mostly package bay leaves. Cheaper for them to use the containers that they use for their spices than to make special ones just for bay leaves. I buy these all the time and I have never seen them in a bottle without holes. Except at Asian markets, some come in plastic bags.

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