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Ugly. Lame. Disastrous. This list of descriptions for epic design fails might not be exhaustive, but it’s enough to get you up to speed with the thought bubbles you can expect to pop into your mind as you’re scrolling through the images in this post, brought to you by us from this online group that's dedicated to bad design. Good taste might seem like it’s common sense, but we’ve got all the proof in the world that this isn’t the case. Unfortunately, what looks awful to you and us and obviously doesn’t function well isn’t always apparent to the designers behind the disasters.

Remember, upvoting a photo here means that you love how fantastically horrid it looks. Be sure to let us know which of the worst design mistakes caught your eye the most, dear Pandas. In need of more proof that your own sense of taste is actually really, amazingly good? You’re in luck. You can find our other posts about truly awful design decisions right here, here, as well as here. Got any photos of bad designs around your house? Drop us a pic in the comment section.

Bored Panda spoke about the principles of good design, the line between quality and bad design, as well as human beings' intuition to automatically feel what's designed well with Tim Antoniuk, an Associate Professor of Design Studies at the University of Alberta.

#3

These Barriers Designed To Prevent Cyclists From Passing Through

These Barriers Designed To Prevent Cyclists From Passing Through

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We’ve spoken about Dieter Rams’ 10 principles for good design before. And even though we wholeheartedly agree with them and believe they’re timeless, some of them could be adapted to better reflect how much the world has changed over the last few decades. In short, there are some new nuances that designers should take into account.

According to Antoniuk from the University of Alberta, Rams "does a great job" determining what makes design great. However, this doesn't mean that Rams was able to foresee exactly how the world would change.

"That said, given the speed of change that we encounter today in our lives in the digital environment that we live in, I believe that some great design is not necessarily timeless. One example is seen in Interface Design, Ux Design, and in-service design. As new layers get added into our lives, things naturally have an evolutionary cycle. This is different from furniture which naturally can be more ubiquitous and designed to fit the human body. There is a great deal of fuzziness in this discussion but I do believe that the essence of this idea is true," the Associate Professor explained.

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#4

'Daisy's' Might Want To Reconsider That Layout

'Daisy's' Might Want To Reconsider That Layout

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooh, I need a new ass. I am pretty artsy fartsy and love a bit of diy. Address please.

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#5

Honey, You Really Shouldn't Have

Honey, You Really Shouldn't Have

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

Excuse me but...$ 3,99 for a bell pepper ?????? What do they grow them on ? Mulched dollar bills ?

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#6

He Was Fined For Speeding, When The Car Was On A Tow Truck

He Was Fined For Speeding, When The Car Was On A Tow Truck

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In Antoniuk's opinion, there is such a thing as good and bad product, furniture, and interior design. But degrees of preference create a gray area where a clear line between quality and a lack thereof should exist. "The gray area comes in when people start to talk about taste and about degrees of aesthetic. I may love the design of Bauhaus furniture, for example, while somebody may feel that it is too cold and void of personality. Not unlike great art, I believe that much of what came from this era is ‘great design,’ in part because it represents an era and a philosophy. When we start to mix in discussions of taste and preference, that is where the gray areas of good and bad design get blurred."

Antoniuk also believes that people can intuitively "feel" and sense good design. "Quite often, this relates to ergonomics and the usability or functionality of the products and services and systems. Having said that, I think far too many people expect poor design that doesn’t really work well," he told Bored Panda.

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What's more, he believes that good and bad design are skills that can be learned, especially when we start diving deep into the realm of aesthetics. "For me, great design is what Dieter [Rams] talks about—it is also intuitive, it is deeply sympathetic and empathetic to the user at all levels, and at some level, it is emotional. It is a catalyst for giving us feelings."

#7

What Not To Name Your Animal Charity In Bury, UK

What Not To Name Your Animal Charity In Bury, UK

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#8

I Can't Even

I Can't Even

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

That fact that they misspelled “players” is proof enough for me that they uh don’t exactly educate amazingly

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#9

My Son Just Asked Me Why This Lady Is Reading Poop Magazine. I'm So Proud

My Son Just Asked Me Why This Lady Is Reading Poop Magazine. I'm So Proud

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Suzanne Labarre of Co.Design has a similar take in that she also believes that Rams’ principles could be updated. While Labarre has the IT and tech industry in mind, the principles for good design are pretty much universal, no matter if you’re designing an app, setting up a building’s interior, or creating a brand new product.

In Labarre’s opinion, good design has to be transparent, easy to understand, and done in a way that empowers its users, instead of overwhelming them. Furthermore, Labarre puts a lot of emphasis on each designer’s responsibility for what they create: they have to be aware of the possible consequences their creations might have, both on the consumers and on society.

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For Labarre, design is inherently political. Product design (whether physical or digital) has the ability to change how power is distributed in society. This feeds back into the point about how we should all be aware of how our designs can change the world. Naturally, this extends far beyond just chuckling at epic design fails—but even that’s great to wind down after a long day at work! Or… at your work desk (don’t worry, we won’t judge).

#11

Because I Can See Through Stainless Steel

Because I Can See Through Stainless Steel

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#12

Tell Your Wedding Guests To Die

Tell Your Wedding Guests To Die

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#14

A Nail Or A Screw

A Nail Or A Screw

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

I couldn't help but read the purple text in the most sarcastic tone I can imagine

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#16

I’m Pretty Sure That’s Not How You’re Supposed To Hold A Scythe

I’m Pretty Sure That’s Not How You’re Supposed To Hold A Scythe

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#18

This Kid Friendly Hand Sanitizer Package. Looks Like One Of Those Apple Sauce Things

This Kid Friendly Hand Sanitizer Package. Looks Like One Of Those Apple Sauce Things

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#21

If You've Ever Thought Kids Getting Hurt One At A Time Isn't Efficient Enough, Here's An Idea

If You've Ever Thought Kids Getting Hurt One At A Time Isn't Efficient Enough, Here's An Idea

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#22

Good Job Using The Computer My Dude

Good Job Using The Computer My Dude

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#23

You Either Wet Your Shoes Or Do Some Exercise To Cross This Bridge

You Either Wet Your Shoes Or Do Some Exercise To Cross This Bridge

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

This reminds me of a bridge with a glass deck in Bilbao, Basque Country (northern Spain)... It rains a lot in Bilbao... So the bridge was very pretty, yes, but also extremely slippery and dangerous! It's called Zubizuri Bridge. The city ended up covering the glass with non-slip material. https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/en/bilbao/things-to-do/zubizuri/

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#24

Hmmm

Hmmm

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

Id make a blonde joke, but instead I will wait for a poor bastard that does it for me and join in on the mass public condemnation of his lack of PC awareness

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#26

Everybody Loves Beach Basketball

Everybody Loves Beach Basketball

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

Obviously, you are supposed to bounce the ball off each others faces, duh

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#27

A White Background Does Not Really Fit With This

A White Background Does Not Really Fit With This

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#28

My Son Is Too Terrified To Learn Anything From These Speech Therapy Worksheets, And Frankly I Don't Blame Him

My Son Is Too Terrified To Learn Anything From These Speech Therapy Worksheets, And Frankly I Don't Blame Him

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

The message is; when you speak your jaw will clench shut and your eyes will pop out of your head.

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#29

Who Thought It Would Be A Good Idea To Replace The O In Dumbo With A Heart?

Who Thought It Would Be A Good Idea To Replace The O In Dumbo With A Heart?

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

I saw little baby hats where they replaced the O of hello with a heart. Just as bad.

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#31

So The Fire Alarm Caught On Fire Earlier

So The Fire Alarm Caught On Fire Earlier

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

And there was loud beeping coming from the stovetop, the oven, the toaster, the microwave, and the fireplace!

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#33

The Paper In This Sliced Cheese Makes It Look Like It Has Mold Spots

The Paper In This Sliced Cheese Makes It Look Like It Has Mold Spots

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#34

What Can Go Wrong If We Put The Power Button Next To The Most Used Key

What Can Go Wrong If We Put The Power Button Next To The Most Used Key

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#35

Homogeneity Sucks

Homogeneity Sucks

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

Yes, please Google, don't. Everything is everything now.

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#36

Behold, The Sensory Overload Car

Behold, The Sensory Overload Car

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

What makes it even worse is that this was a partnership with Autism Speaks, a group notorious for making life worse for people with autism.

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

It is playing loud music and has a 500 Watts lighting machine on it. Did we say it also can deploy artificial arms that will gently rub bystanders?

joannaphughes_1 avatar
BoredDragon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to mention the fact that “awareness” is in really tiny letters, so it looks like it just says autism

abigailwilliams_2 avatar
Call Me Mars
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm on the Autism spectrum. If I saw that car I would get instantly overloaded with everything going on.

73988 avatar
⚞ Katniss Everdeen ⚟
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay but the worst part is that the Miami Police Department shot an unarmed autistic teenager after he had a sensory meltdown. So until they practice what they preach, I call BS on this "awareness campaign". Also, do they not understand that the neurodivergent community has rejected the puzzle piece symbol as it was first created by an extremely ableist organization??

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

I assume it blasts EDM out of some roof mounted speakers while flashing lights...

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

My autistic 13-year-old just said, "HOLY F**K STAY AWAY THAT'S TOO MUCH!!!"

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

This is hilariously 'tone-deaf' to the message they're promoting.

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

But are they training their cops so my son isn't snuffed out by law enforcement for having behavior or failing to comply with shouted demands due to his autism?

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

yeah... not really a good one for Autism - at least half of the people on the spectrum would not like that at all...

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

Hope they don’t forget to continually pap the horn as they approach from behind.

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Bacony Cakes
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*rolls up in this* hey want some aliens *there are several dead corporate executives on the roof*

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

Yeah because everyone knows kids with Autism just love loud noises, lights , crazy pattens and colours...geniuses they’re not.

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

Using a symbol that autistic people disagree with because it's dehumanising, and using loud garish colours that would trigger autistic hypersensitivity or epilepsy.

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

Along with a design based on giving kids a visual overload, we have a horn that plays loud annoying music for 30 seconds after the button is pressed. It also emits scents to cause a scent-related overload. AND the car has been textured to make that a x4 overload, unlocking boss level for your autistic child or friend.

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

Imagine being black, being pulled over by that and the cop shooting you.

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

why r the patrolling the streets do they kidnapp them and sell them

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

Truly the worst thing I have ever seen. Are all police departments that unaware?

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

If you don't agree with their style, you may have autism! lol

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CH1990
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People with autism are often hypersensitive and many have epilepsy. This vehicle is way too colourful and can be a big trigger.

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Princess Toadstool
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3 years ago

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

It's about raising awareness about autism, not attract children with classical autism. Colors do this. Sure, it could have been a little less neon, and a little more refined. But when it comes to sensory overload the normal world is more than enough. And calling puzzle pieces ableist. Come on... Now that's far fetched.

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#37

Every Time I Get Used To One, I Screw Up The Other

Every Time I Get Used To One, I Screw Up The Other

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#38

This Electric Heater Can Melt It's Plastic Casing When At Full Power

This Electric Heater Can Melt It's Plastic Casing When At Full Power

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#39

This Is Shampoo

This Is Shampoo

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#40

Anyone Got A Grey Hi Vis I Can Borrow

Anyone Got A Grey Hi Vis I Can Borrow

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#41

Yes, But Actually No

Yes, But Actually No

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#42

These Snow Boots That Have Bottoms That Don't Release Snow. They Turn Into Ice High Heels After 2 Steps

These Snow Boots That Have Bottoms That Don't Release Snow. They Turn Into Ice High Heels After 2 Steps

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#43

Google Says The New Icon Is A Wallet. How Is This Supposed To Be A Wallet

Google Says The New Icon Is A Wallet. How Is This Supposed To Be A Wallet

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

Its clearly two homosexual taco shells hugging each other. PC Company statement policy: The author has no ill will against anyones sexual preferance, identification or transformation. And will not say no to good tacos

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#44

I Spent 15 Minutes Looking For A Plug In My Hotel Room... The Only One Is Behind The Radiator

I Spent 15 Minutes Looking For A Plug In My Hotel Room... The Only One Is Behind The Radiator

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#45

The Health Benefits Of Ginger Tea Include Cancer, Alzheimer's Disease And More

The Health Benefits Of Ginger Tea Include Cancer, Alzheimer's Disease And More

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#46

Found On Amazon

Found On Amazon

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#48

Nothing Says Privacy Like Saloon Style Doors

Nothing Says Privacy Like Saloon Style Doors

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

Yeah, like that is anything different from the huge gaps in toilet stalls all around the USA. The actual problem is that it's probably impossible to manoever a wheel chair in their while being able to close the doors behind you. You either open both doors before you enter, which is hard or you just accept that the gaps are really not very different from having no door at all.

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#49

The Mom On The Right Looks Like She Got The Baby's Head But Not The Baby

The Mom On The Right Looks Like She Got The Baby's Head But Not The Baby

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

The man and the woman don't car, the person in the wheelchair stares but does not help, the mother angrily stares at him for looking, while the baby is dropped without its head. Just a normal day in the city.

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#50

This Poster At My School

This Poster At My School

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Note: this post originally had 141 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.