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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

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Giles McArdell
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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

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#3

This Is Some Platform 9¾ Level Cycle Path

This Is Some Platform 9¾ Level Cycle Path

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#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

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#5

Make Your Baby Do The Cleaning

Make Your Baby Do The Cleaning

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TonyTee
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is the most practical of the bunch, can serve as padding for the kid too for extra safety 👍🏻

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TheGoodBoi
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My luck I'd put it on the child and they'd instantly learn to walk

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Human #1,232,867
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can actually buy it here https://amzn.to/3DwDYhF to give a try

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Snazzy Smurf
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The baby is learning how to multitask at an early age🤷

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LovingKnuckle
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man I get a broom and be curling that kid all over the house.

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Vinay Pai
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except for the corners. You need to pick up the baby and scrub those.

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Janet Graham
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, his sleeper is going to gather the dust and dirt anyway, might as well be practical. Once they begin to crawl, they should all be in sweepers!

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tuzdayschild
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No doctor, I can't imagine why he suddenly has so many respiratory problems.

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Elizabeth VanDyke
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very good idea, but too late for me. My kids are all too big now to go along with this.

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Donald Holder
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On great, now the kids don't have to wait till adolescence to develope asthmatic condition from breathing in all the dust mites.

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Naomie Moore
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't laugh, a friend gave me slipper mops. They work great and use them all the time!

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Jeff Diamond
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used my son's coat to clean up water that he spilled... while he was wearing it.

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Ray McArdle
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here you go, little scooter. Make yourself useful for a change

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Pixie Peck
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have done this with my sister when she was a baby. She loved it.

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Cat Chat
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a whole episode on this on Raising Hope. Funny

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TheOddPotater (she/her)
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

welcome to the world, kid. your first job is to clean the house top to bottom because life = work. sorry it’s just uow it is 🤷‍♀️

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ShyWahine
Community Member
9 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a pretty clever idea - I'd consider this awesome and absolutely USEFUL...

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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

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#8

I Actually Really Want One Of These

I Actually Really Want One Of These

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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

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Averysleepypanda
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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?

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Matt Du
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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?

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Spannermonkey
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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!

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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

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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

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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

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TonyTee
Community Member
9 months ago (edited) DotsCreated 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

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Matt Du
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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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#18

Stylish Diving Is The New Trend

Stylish Diving Is The New Trend

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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!

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#20

I Bet They Made Some Serious Dough Selling These

I Bet They Made Some Serious Dough Selling These

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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!

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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

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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!

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Reyes
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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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#25

Take The Goldfish For A Walk

Take The Goldfish For A Walk

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#26

It’s A Dog Eat Dog World

It’s A Dog Eat Dog World

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CorgiBuns
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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?

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Greenmantle
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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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#29

This Looks Like Something Only Lady Gaga Would Wear

This Looks Like Something Only Lady Gaga Would Wear

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#30

Peel The Potato And Your Skin, 2 For 1!

Peel The Potato And Your Skin, 2 For 1!

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Donna Peluda
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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

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Undercover
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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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#34

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

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

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Matt Du
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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

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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

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Reyes
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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

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Matt Du
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated 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

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Bernd Herbert
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah, we need to redesign glasses, because apparently people have been doing it wrong for millenias.

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#40

You Can't Even Eat The Cone After

You Can't Even Eat The Cone After

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Note: this post originally had 55 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

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