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We are surrounded by items, buildings, and even software that was designed one way or another. It tends to stick out when something is so poorly considered that we have to stop and wonder “what were they thinking?” Fortunately, most of the things around us conform to our expectations. A table is a table and a street sign is a street sign. 

However, every once and a while, creative people make a novel take on a conventional object. So scroll down and enjoy this list of innovative and cool ideas people have made into reality. And if this article doesn’t scratch your awesome design itch, check out Bored Panda’s other collections here, here, and here. And if you want something a bit different, check out our list of terrible designs here.  

#2

Park Bench With Built In Shelter For The Homeless

Park Bench With Built In Shelter For The Homeless

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If this list leaves you particularly inspired, maybe to make some changes around your own home, it can be helpful to approach an area holistically. Or, to put it another way, to have a comprehensive, unified plan. Keeping to the design tenants of a specific style can really help bring a space together and make it look more cohesive. Let’s take a look at Scandinavian design as an example. 

First and foremost, think about local, natural materials. We associate Scandinavian furniture and houses with wood, no doubt harvested in some primeval pine forests. But the core idea is to use local materials to establish a sense of place and style. This extends to building techniques as well, as most traditional architecture is firstly functional. French doors do not help insulate a house while thatched roofs are probably too warm for southern climates.

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#6

The Jacket I Just Got Has Tiny Skulls As The Zipper

The Jacket I Just Got Has Tiny Skulls As The Zipper

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Scandinavian design also prioritizes functionality, which is often, subtly, emphasized by the use of neutral colors. Small wonder that the creators of Lego would approach furniture with an eye for practicality. Sometimes this does express itself as a sort of minimalism as one might see in an Ikea catalog. But there are myriad examples of more decorative or flashy items made by acclaimed Scandinavian designers that are also in keeping with the style's core tenants.

#7

Paint Sample Cubes, Instead Of Flat Swatches, So You Can See The Colors With Shadows

Paint Sample Cubes, Instead Of Flat Swatches, So You Can See The Colors With Shadows

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Design has also changed over the last century, with new styles coming and going. For example, the iconic Empire State building still stands out today as an Art Deco skyscraper among a forest of glass buildings. This style itself was a reaction to Art Nouveau which had been so popular at the turn of the century. While less ornate, Art Deco tended to use expensive materials like gold, and furniture in the style would feature exotic leathers like sharkskin.

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#12

Shark Fin "Wet Floor" Caution Sign

Shark Fin "Wet Floor" Caution Sign

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Modern design principles are less constrained by form and materials, so the guiding philosophy focuses more on the user. Sometimes this is referred to as literally user-centric design, though some will also call it human-scale design. The core idea is to make everything intuitive at a glance, even if you have never seen an object before. Maybe you are familiar with the design principles of Don Norman or at least the Norman door. Imagine a door with no handle, just a metal plate. Naturally, since you know it’s a door, it must move to let a person pass through. So with no handle, your only option left is to push.

#14

Any Love For Packaging Here? Very Thoughtful Hardware Package Design

Any Love For Packaging Here? Very Thoughtful Hardware Package Design

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Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to work in a home for the developmentally disabled. They went to "work" on weekdays, to a rehab type program that taught life skills. Some of the more intelligent clients had actual jobs, where they packed hardware for appliances and furniture. They each had a paper with life-size drawings of each item. The client would cover each picture with the matching part (like a toddler's jigsaw puzzle). Once each picture had its part, the client bagged the pieces.

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#16

Anti-Pollution Sign By A Lake In Evergreen, Colorado

Anti-Pollution Sign By A Lake In Evergreen, Colorado

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#17

Book Benches, Bulgaria

Book Benches, Bulgaria

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Laugh or not
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be the best if they had readable poems or extracts from books to tempt you to read the entire books.

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#19

Was Told This Would Be Appreciated Here. Sooo Here Ya Go!

Was Told This Would Be Appreciated Here. Sooo Here Ya Go!

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#20

"Piece By Piece Alzheimer's Takes Away The Memory". Campaign For Alzheimer Forschung Initiative

"Piece By Piece Alzheimer's Takes Away The Memory". Campaign For Alzheimer Forschung Initiative

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Ziggyc
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Watched my MIL suffer from this,it's a horrible disease,this poster really.speaks volumes

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The only Plueschopossum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really does. Sorry to hear that, Ziggyc. I watched my grandma for 10 years going from a little bit confused to fully staying in bed not being able to speak or interact with anyone anymore. Sometimes the thought that one (or both) of my parents could end like this as well keeps me awake at night >.<

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Maya Baggins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is the sweetest disease for the sufferer and the cruellest for those around them.source: My granny has it, she is happy and joyfull... but my granny is not there anymore (hope you understand what I mean)

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A Bi-Cycle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my relatives is suffering. She’s so happy with a huge smile all the time, but everyone else around her is sombre.

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Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aye. I'm facing it now. It's weird. Can't recall how to build transmissions... barely able to stay awake most days. Took all day to patch drywall and paint one room. Did you know excessive sleep has neuro tie to dementia? Ugh. Twenty years ago, it took away everything but my dad's music: he knew he was supposed to play trumpet but couldn't.... It was heartbreaking. It's my goal to face it with as much dignity as he did. RIP Dad. You rocked. 🎶

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Esme Love and Squalor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Strength be with you! Music seems to have deep ties in our minds and it’s nice music will often endure when other memories pass

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MadOrca99
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense, but imagine building that puzzle without the box top😧

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Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! That's a perfect depiction of my everyday life with this dang brain injury 😂 Thank you for the laughter this morning.

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The Original Bruno
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not just memory... self. I saw my MIL slowly not only forget who my wife was, but become hateful and paranoid towards her. That's got to be the hardest part.

dc1 avatar
DC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... the mind dies out of the still working body. The person dies out of the body...

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Generic Soda Pop 🇺🇦(she/her)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This...this really hit me. Its beautiful! (The puzzle 🧩, not Alzheimer's, also it's really depressing)

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Burnt Bagel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandmother and now mother has it and this puzzle terrifies me!

bobbyrowe avatar
Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fight it. Learn music, play brain games with colors and shapes, stay fit. Dad's physical fitness and music were the reason he lived and thrived to his 90s when it took his sisters age 60s. Also: laugh often. Humor is such an amazing gift.

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Rahim Carlock
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And "they" still don't know why. some people are now blaming fructose. Here, have some sucralose.

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BeepBeepBoopBoop
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but it's also genetic I'm pretty sure. Both dementia and Alzheimer's run in my family. (rarer types of Dementia could be genetic, but we've had multiple people in my family get dementia, so we sorta say it's genetic at this point)

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Amy Beckler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Google "dementia,Keith. I worked with dementia folks-then my own dad was lost in the disease.

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David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes me tear up. Is currently happening to my best friend who has been my BF for the past 50 years.

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Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hugs, David ...that has to hurt. Hope you have time to reminisce over old memories and make a few new memories.

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dc1 avatar
DC
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope everyone of you your dear ones get through this as comfortable and smooth as possible, with the least hassle and embarrassmet - regardless of how understanding people are, nobody proudly lets his suspenders snap in a crammed grocery store to expose a diaper, at least nobody older than three (I met 3 yo who thought THAT was the funniest to ever have happened) ... to have this clear before any else - that's the key point. Once dementia is present in a relevant amount, getting even about old stuff is also to be considered missed, because it will never be done. Do it before ... get stuff clear between you and your relatives, it's too late once you start noticing it is BECOMING late. And ... everybody should make clear instructions on how long they'd want to stay alive and what they wouldn't want to have to bear. It's hard to deserve having choices like this placed upon, and even harder to enjoy, that, I know better than I wanted to.

bobbyrowe avatar
Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well said. Clearing the decks is good practice, especially with a troubling medical diagnosis.

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DarCee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This hit hard. Just buried my 46 year old niece (last week); This devastating disease took her from us and her two sons under 14.

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Kawazoe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awful to say but it in away it was probably for the best that my 95yo grandma died before her symptoms really started to escalate. Few weeks before her death she fell hitting her head and her symptoms got way worse, but then she died in her sleep in the hospital. I can only imagine how devastated and lost she would've felt knowing but not comprehending why they would've not let her go back home anymore.

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Old Roadie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truly sorry to hear about losing your grandma. At 95, she had a very good run with good memories and, it seems, a loving family. You're right... it would have been challenging for her.

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Pineapple
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i dont like it my brain is trying to see them both and it hurts

gjgeracci846 avatar
Gary Geracci
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My second wife was taken from me by Alzheimer's! It's insidious to say the least.

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Máté Jancsek
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think I understand these kind of campaigns... Okay, I aware... now what do you want me to do?

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JM
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is too poignant for me - watched my maternal grandmother disappear into this disease, and even more painful - she was once a whiz at puzzles.

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#21

Colorful Glass Canopy In Sonoma, California. By: Olafur Eliasson And Architect Sebastian Behmann

Colorful Glass Canopy In Sonoma, California. By: Olafur Eliasson And Architect Sebastian Behmann

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#23

Newly Constructed 'Danish Prison Cells' Are Designed Better Than My Apartment

Newly Constructed 'Danish Prison Cells' Are Designed Better Than My Apartment

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Seth
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know you live in a prison state when accomodations that are beyond the means of a minimum wage laborer are considered a punishment elsewhere in the world.

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#24

Forget Abs Of Steel And Buns Of Steel. Get Abs Of Buns

Forget Abs Of Steel And Buns Of Steel. Get Abs Of Buns

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#25

This Bar Has A Chilled Strip To Keep Your Drink Cold

This Bar Has A Chilled Strip To Keep Your Drink Cold

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#26

Translation: (Their) Love Slipped A Little Bit? No, This Is Violence (Anti Domestic Violence Poster)

Translation: (Their) Love Slipped A Little Bit? No, This Is Violence (Anti Domestic Violence Poster)

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#27

Clever Little Airline Logo From A Recent Flight

Clever Little Airline Logo From A Recent Flight

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#28

My Vacuum Cleaner Filter Displays Taps When It's Wet After Cleaning, So You Know When It's Fully Dry

My Vacuum Cleaner Filter Displays Taps When It's Wet After Cleaning, So You Know When It's Fully Dry

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#29

A Bar Of Soap That Gets Sad As It Approaches Its Demise

A Bar Of Soap That Gets Sad As It Approaches Its Demise

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Lurking Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the more you use the soap, the sadder it gets? Not sure if that's particularly great design, might discourage people from using it.

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#33

Samsung’s Galaxy Flip Phone Advertisement At A Bus Stop In Belgium

Samsung’s Galaxy Flip Phone Advertisement At A Bus Stop In Belgium

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Kim Fielding
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honest question for people in countries where English isn't the primary language: Do you get annoyed at all the English in advertisements in your country? As an English-speaker, I've appreciated the ubiquity of the language when I've traveled, but I'm wondering if it's irritating for the people who live there. (Where I live in California, all the ads are in English or Spanish; I don't mind the Spanish because it helps me practice my very basic language skills.)

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#36

Jeep's European Marketing

Jeep's European Marketing

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#37

The Logo For A Band Called The Makepeace Brothers. I Always Thought It Was So Clever

The Logo For A Band Called The Makepeace Brothers. I Always Thought It Was So Clever

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Kristine Johnson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The letters are supposed to also be a hand giving a peace sign. Took me ages to see it.

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#39

Cd Package Design For Chinese Folk Rock Band 五条人

Cd Package Design For Chinese Folk Rock Band 五条人

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#40

IKEA Advertisement

IKEA Advertisement

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SabbeRubbish
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They can laugh with themselves, or is it the customers they are making fun of? 🤣

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#42

House Of The Dragon Street Promotion

House Of The Dragon Street Promotion

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#45

Logo For Lune Croissanterie - A Pâtisserie Specialising In Croissants

Logo For Lune Croissanterie - A Pâtisserie Specialising In Croissants

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Frank
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"croissant" stands for "lune croissante" in French, meaning waxing moon (because of the form). So the name of the shop is quite nice too. And then the moon rocket... Some visual jokes translate badly ;-) Just like English word plays (sound plays?) with K9 (canine, dog) or French ones with K7 (cassette).

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#47

Substation, Detail Of Cornice, Hans Heinrich Müller

Substation, Detail Of Cornice, Hans Heinrich Müller

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#50

KV Bjørnøya, The Newest Vessel Being Built For The Norwegian Coast Guard

KV Bjørnøya, The Newest Vessel Being Built For The Norwegian Coast Guard

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Note: this post originally had 54 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.