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Designing a product, ad, or building is far more difficult of a challenge than you might think. Sure, you could argue that human beings are instinctively artistic and love aesthetics, but the sad truth is that there are far (far!) too many design fails out there. I’m not going to lie, sometimes they keep me awake at night. Thinking about them is both hilarious and terrifying at the same time. And the most powerful pics tend to haunt you for weeks and sometimes months at a time. Good design, why are you so rare?

One of the best places to find some outstanding examples of double-plus-ungood designs is this subreddit right here which shames and pokes fun at them for our amusement. Have a look through some of the best (worst?) design disasters that they featured recently. Remember to upvote the ones that you loved to hate the most and I’d absolutely love to hear which of these were your (least) favorite!

Pssst, Pandas, we know how much you love looking at epic design fails and aesthetic apocalypses, so we cordially invite you to check out Bored Panda’s earlier posts about them after you’re done enjoying and criticizing this list. You’ll find the articles here, here, and here.

#1

Gas Station In Nebraska. The Station's Color Scheme Was Red. They Tried To Get Artsy

Gas Station In Nebraska. The Station's Color Scheme Was Red. They Tried To Get Artsy

aspiecat7 Report

#2

The New School In My Community Has A Wheel Chair Access Button For The Door, But No Way For A Person In A Wheel Chair To Reach It

The New School In My Community Has A Wheel Chair Access Button For The Door, But No Way For A Person In A Wheel Chair To Reach It

crimxie Report

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Samantha Lomb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inaccessible design is so common and it wouldn't take much thought to change it

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#3

Lex? Derp? Lox? Nope, It's Supposed To Say Jax For Jacksonville, Florida For $18 Million Dollars

Lex? Derp? Lox? Nope, It's Supposed To Say Jax For Jacksonville, Florida For $18 Million Dollars

baltinerdist Report

The subreddit that makes fun of bad designs is a goliath on Reddit with a whopping 2.6 million members. The online group has been active since January 2011 and has become a true pillar of design discussion online, ranging from the silly and fun to the in-depth and serious.

Over the last two years alone, the subreddit grew by nearly a million members from 1.7 million adoring fans. Back then, they were getting 2 million page views per month. That’s proof enough of their popularity.

#4

Great Image To Help Your Kid Not Freak Out While Getting A Haircut

Great Image To Help Your Kid Not Freak Out While Getting A Haircut

g_nome7 Report

#5

Women's Jeans, I Want The Rest Of My Pocket

Women's Jeans, I Want The Rest Of My Pocket

evening_shop Report

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Adam C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeans by Boeing: We give you the whole pocket but you have to pay extra to unlock it.

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#6

Striped Carpet On Hotel Stairs. Hard To Use Even After Two Weeks And Completly Sober

Striped Carpet On Hotel Stairs. Hard To Use Even After Two Weeks And Completly Sober

OilCareful8232 Report

I previously spoke to a member of the subreddit’s moderator team to learn a bit more about their community. One of the mods told me previously that the “original motivation” of the subreddit was to “point out” horrible designs.

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“Nowadays, most subscribers probably come here for entertainment. However, it is common to have meaningful discussion here on why or why not something is [bad] design,” the mod told Bored Panda.

#7

The Placement Of This Baby's Head Wasn't Quite Thought Through

The Placement Of This Baby's Head Wasn't Quite Thought Through

ninimalini Report

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We might intuitively understand what good design is, however, it’s a real challenge to get the design just right. It’s not just about beauty or function, however (though these are vital, too!). The idea of good design goes deeper still.

For instance, researcher Don Norman believes that the essence of design is… communication. “Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating,” he writes in ‘The Design of Everyday Things.’

#10

Pet Clippers That Let You Pull Naked Dogs Out Of Furry Behinds

Pet Clippers That Let You Pull Naked Dogs Out Of Furry Behinds

ssorrenidrag Report

#11

This Bench. Where I Live It Is Very Hot And It Is Impossible To Sit In This Park

This Bench. Where I Live It Is Very Hot And It Is Impossible To Sit In This Park

RocketSmash9000 Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you can use it to fry eggs and grill some steak. Perfect for a picnic in the park.

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#12

Why Is Clear A Green Button While Enter Is Yellow? I Kept Accidentally Clearing My Pin

Why Is Clear A Green Button While Enter Is Yellow? I Kept Accidentally Clearing My Pin

veeveemarie Report

According to Norman, design doesn’t have to be complicated. He argues that usability is just as important as aesthetics. Or, in other words, the product has to be functional and useful, not just a pretty thing to look at.

Norman explains that product design cannot ignore the needs of users. In the book, he argues that good, usable design is entirely possible, not just a dream conjured up by idealists.

“The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time,” he writes that some products are able to satisfy customers’ needs while others only end up frustrating them.

#13

This Sign At The Akron Zoo That Looks Like A Man Peeing In His Own Face

This Sign At The Akron Zoo That Looks Like A Man Peeing In His Own Face

-Error-UserNotFound Report

#14

Rénovations Done To A 500 Years Old Tower

Rénovations Done To A 500 Years Old Tower

scepticeye Report

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Samantha Lomb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen this one before. This is the only design the council approved after years of fighting and rejecting many much more sympathetic ideas. It's an episode of George Clarke's Restoration Man

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#15

They Just Don't Go Together

They Just Don't Go Together

terbiun Report

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Dr Nostromo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The concept of jigsaw puzzles apparently eluded the designer of this one.

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#16

Easy Way To Piss Off A Mailman

Easy Way To Piss Off A Mailman

popstarter Report

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Sigrid Johanesdóttir
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"yes, this is the mail man, I'm dropping all your packages in the gas station good luck"

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#17

A Speed Bump On An Downhill Slope With No Drainage?

A Speed Bump On An Downhill Slope With No Drainage?

M_Alex Report

#18

This Is Not Vitamin D; It's An Emoji On A Bottle Of Magnesium

This Is Not Vitamin D; It's An Emoji On A Bottle Of Magnesium

archfapper Report

#21

The Sign Says "Teaching Kids Good Manners", But It Looks Like You're Just Yeeting The Baby Into Trash

The Sign Says "Teaching Kids Good Manners", But It Looks Like You're Just Yeeting The Baby Into Trash

alphaMrWave Report

#22

Got This As A Gift And Honestly I Don't Want To Throw It Away Just Because It's Terribly Funny

Got This As A Gift And Honestly I Don't Want To Throw It Away Just Because It's Terribly Funny

AmberedVal Report

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DM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, I will make the a$$ of myself. What am I missing? I don’t get it?

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#23

Thought It Was A Different Language At First

Thought It Was A Different Language At First

TitanicsAnInsideJob Report

#25

The Marbling In These Floor Tiles Makes It Look Like Someone Pooped All Over The Floor

The Marbling In These Floor Tiles Makes It Look Like Someone Pooped All Over The Floor

thisshortenough Report

#26

Sure, Place An Ad With A Guy Drinking Water Next To Rubbing Alcohol Of The Same Brand

Sure, Place An Ad With A Guy Drinking Water Next To Rubbing Alcohol Of The Same Brand

labanapoy Report

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#27

They Sell Suitcase Covers.. But The Photoshop Is Just Awful

They Sell Suitcase Covers.. But The Photoshop Is Just Awful

suscript25 Report

#28

Maybe I Shouldn't Park Here

Maybe I Shouldn't Park Here

1pcbetterthanxbox Report

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

I can bet that if that was in my country you would definitely see parked cars

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#30

Is This Andre The Giant’s Treadmill?

Is This Andre The Giant’s Treadmill?

phillypharm Report

#31

Practical Bathroom

Practical Bathroom

schen4181 Report

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Samantha Lomb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the sink is downstairs? the bath in some sort of weird glass upstairs nook and the toilet in the cubby beneath? Wow

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13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a toilet next to the tub. Just no sink. Ew.

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Angharad Eatough
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lovely (sarcsam) why can i just imagine inviting a friend over and walking down the stairs and there's my dad on the toilet? why does that come into mind?

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Something
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those curtains are for privacy so you can show off while taking a bath but close them when you use the toilet.

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Carmen Honacker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, at least it has some kind of curtain, so no one can see while you use the bathroom, or take a bath in your incredibly tiny bathtub. I'm more curious about where the door is at. I'm not seeing it

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Jess Ovo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Took me a while to see it, but behind the right curtain seems to be a door

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Kay Maxey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about the doors that serve as walls? Note the door handles in the near corner.

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tecolote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My bet is on the filled tub plummeting to the ground floor

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Bron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like a blockwork or brick building, so plenty of strength for the weight of the tub. Our tub is on a concrete floor over thick wooden floorboards and hasn't dropped through (the house is 140 yrs old, but the bathroom 40 or 50 years.

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Keerthi Vardhan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Made by peeping toms for peeping toms by peeping toms. A place to study anatomy from a distance.

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The perfect bathroom for an exhibitionist control freak!

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DuchessDegu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok ok, but what's that thing at the bottom of the stairs?? Looks like a giant dead rat!

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Brittney Sparks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually kinda like this design. I like how the entire windows have curtains honestly. It's a soaking tub so I like that it's in a private little nook up in a little nest .... Looks like the person who owns this place was going for a secluded nook to enjoy their cozy soaks in their bath. I personally approve of this one myself 🙂

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Suzanne Clark
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The longer you look, the worse it gets...what's with the slide next to the stairs?

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Roseriver_DSMP
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so cute but just.... wow. Really? A bathroom? Could have put a bedroom or something

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Stephen Roberts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When Jehovah Witnesses come to the front door - you pull the plug out ...

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Ara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is joke photo. There isn’t any way of getting into it - unless its hidden behind the chic curtains.

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Teresa Groth
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would really not trust this especially when there was flooding from the bathtub!

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Barb Braun
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to worry...you can rest on the way downstairs if the running between sink and toilet is too onerous. There are even cushions for you.

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MAKtheknife
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the toilet is next to the tub so everyone and see you coming and going! Not!

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Christine Peverley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well there are curtains at least. But if you don't have the space for renovations just concede defeat.

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And someone paid money for this? They probably never had diarrhea or period....

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Stina Lamar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how I always designed my bathrooms in the Sims. (Señor Hot Ham was totally fine with this until I added a second toilet, which is the true design faux pas apparently.)

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Pangolin Pal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is this demented abode located? And - not that this is even CLOSE to the most disturbing feature of the apartment - but why the black hassock on the landing between the two stairs from the lower level and the stairs to whatever's above? Just WHY EVERYTHING in this weird apartment???

fjlop23 avatar
best turtle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hey now if the depression it too bad all you have to do is try to get to the bathroom! (dont hurt me for my terrible joke plz)

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Lori Krzemien
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some feeling I just can't shake. I have a belief that each of these two "bathrooms" belong to different loft appartments. Bathroom A down below next to the sink is for the first apartment. The glass one up above belongs to a whole different apartment after the construction manager realized someone screwed reading the blueprints and this was the best "fix" they could come up with.

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Cadence
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For everyone trying to figure out how to take a relaxing bath here's your 5 step directions Step one: find your handy crowbar Step two: get a running start Step three: give your best battle cry and run from the top of the stairs into the (crowbar in hand) into the glass Step four: curse loudly when you realize you forgot your clothes and made a big fool out of yourself. Step five: repel from the bathroom and go into the never ending stock pile of glass repairing your bathtub for next week.

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Brendan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very strange and impracticable, but the staircase does have an optional slide :)

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grotesqueer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf what's even the point? The windows serve no purpose! A bathroom isn't a nice decorative touch that'd be nice to look at even from outside it. And if you were using it, you'd close the curtains for privacy (I hope).

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DM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of cool! Would have to use those curtains in there with visitors I guess but I think it’s kinda neat.

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#32

How On Earth Can The Overpass Be Flooded?!

How On Earth Can The Overpass Be Flooded?!

jndlcrz888 Report

#33

Restaurant Bathroom: One Mirror Panel On Top, One On The Bottom...no Way To See Myself In Between

Restaurant Bathroom: One Mirror Panel On Top, One On The Bottom...no Way To See Myself In Between

freckledfrida Report

#34

This Amazon Photo Where The Kids Don't Even Look At The Toys

This Amazon Photo Where The Kids Don't Even Look At The Toys

MeteorBladeV2 Report

#35

Welcome Shorpers

Welcome Shorpers

directtides72 Report

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Serial pacifist
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pirate shopping center. Arrrgh, shorpers, ye come in and purcharse something, ay.

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#36

Don’t Have Hep C? Get Some!

Don’t Have Hep C? Get Some!

Dtomnom Report

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#37

This Frozen 2 Temporary Tattoo Is Supposed To Say "Face Your Fear", But The First Two Words Are Written In An Orange-Ish Color

This Frozen 2 Temporary Tattoo Is Supposed To Say "Face Your Fear", But The First Two Words Are Written In An Orange-Ish Color

Vencero_JG Report

#38

This Shirt That Looks Like It’s Covered In Coffee Stains

This Shirt That Looks Like It’s Covered In Coffee Stains

TheMrMeatball Report

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beastmachine.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh this is perfect excuse shirt for Monday mornings when you drop coffee hastily

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#39

He's Either Sucking On Her Head, Or He Is A Raccoon Cap... Not Sure Which Disturbs Anymore

He's Either Sucking On Her Head, Or He Is A Raccoon Cap... Not Sure Which Disturbs Anymore

embarrased_to_Ask_42 Report

#40

The Balcony Of My Hotel In Switzerland Is Only Accessible Through The Window

The Balcony Of My Hotel In Switzerland Is Only Accessible Through The Window

loulan Report

#41

This Tea Will Change Your Image Size Ratio!

This Tea Will Change Your Image Size Ratio!

Am-Linguist Report

#42

The Design Of This Pillowcase Makes It Look Like There Are Bugs Crawling On It

The Design Of This Pillowcase Makes It Look Like There Are Bugs Crawling On It

FreshSansSimp Report

#43

This Hose Cart Creates Water From Thin Air

This Hose Cart Creates Water From Thin Air

pzPat Report

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DM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We’ve figured out our solution to severe draughts and wildfires in North America!

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#46

The Shower In My Dorm Freshman Year (I'm Only 5'7)

The Shower In My Dorm Freshman Year (I'm Only 5'7)

xxsoulpunkedxx Report

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#48

A Very Easy To Read Graph About Texting While Driving? Found In My High School Yearbook

A Very Easy To Read Graph About Texting While Driving? Found In My High School Yearbook

Buddhacream Report

#49

Is This Cake Like Deadpool?

Is This Cake Like Deadpool?

ydarbj1 Report

#50

In A Friend's Wedding Goodie Bag

In A Friend's Wedding Goodie Bag

korzorro Report

Note: this post originally had 79 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.