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Good design is effective and efficient in fulfilling its purpose. But so many solutions fall out of this category. Many, in fact, cause more problems than they solve. And they can be quite entertaining.

So let's take a look at the Instagram account that calls itself "the largest collection of C.R.A.P design" on the platform.

The people behind it decipher the acronym as contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity. Let's see if we can find these things in the pictures they share.

More info: Instagram

There can be so many reasons why a product fails. Sam Gwilt, who is a London-based industrial designer and product visualizer and also runs an Instagram and YouTube channel called Sam Does Design, told Bored Panda about the challenges that lurk along the way for one of our earlier pieces on the subject.

First of all, there's lots of sketching. "From research to concept, to refinement, to manufacturing, designing a product is an iterative process that can take years," Gwilt then said.

#3

I Like How They Handled This Toilet Door Design

I Like How They Handled This Toilet Door Design

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#5

Fixed It

Fixed It

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

That's a genius design, when the 420 sign get's stolen a lot. But on the other hand, this one is so special, maybe it doesn't change anything.

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"It's important to understand what the markets and mindsets of customers will be like in the next few years (when the product launches)."

"Once a brief has been set, it's time to design multiple concepts to find the right solution. Sketching, scribbles, and CAD modeling are all useful to refine designs," Gwilt explained.

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"Each solution will be prototyped to analyze ergonomics and assembly, usually starting with rough card models, progressing to 3D prints, and then finally to full industrial tooling."

#6

No One Likes Being The Butt Of The Joke

No One Likes Being The Butt Of The Joke

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

This one is funny!! And not bad at all, it does exactly what it's intended for.

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#7

The Crugg. Ugg X Croc X Toe Shoe. The Ugliest Shoe On The Internet

The Crugg. Ugg X Croc X Toe Shoe. The Ugliest Shoe On The Internet

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zimalady avatar
love u
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i like crocs (i swim competitively) and even to me these are absolutely the most disgusting thing i have seen this week

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Trying to determine whether or not a particular design is good, many turn to Dieter Rams and his '10 commandments.'

According to the German design legend, good design is innovative, makes a product useful, is aesthetic, makes a product understandable, is unobtrusive, is honest, is long-lasting, is thorough down to the last detail, is environmentally friendly, and involves as little design as possible.

#9

The Lion, The Sausage And The Bananas?

The Lion, The Sausage And The Bananas?

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#10

Seamless

Seamless

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#11

‘Build Us A Shelf, You’re The Piano Fan Build Us A Shelf With A Light La, La-La, Di-Di-Da’

‘Build Us A Shelf, You’re The Piano Fan Build Us A Shelf With A Light La, La-La, Di-Di-Da’

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"When Dieter Rams defined the 10 principles, he thought that they'd be updated and adapted over time," Gwilt said.

But even though he wrote them a long time ago and technology has advanced light years since then, many think Dieter's principles still apply today.

#13

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

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#14

“Tonight I’m Going To Party Like These Are $19.99”

“Tonight I’m Going To Party Like These Are $19.99”

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"It's a good starting point; a helpful framework, but it's exciting to see new designers from different backgrounds share their voices for what makes good design."

Interestingly, Sam even met Rams in person! You can check out how that went here.

#16

‘Grandma Is On Her Way Over, Put On The Jumpers On She Knitted For You’

‘Grandma Is On Her Way Over, Put On The Jumpers On She Knitted For You’

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#19

This Is A Bad Sign

This Is A Bad Sign

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

So this is the toilet for Damiens. Where does everyone else go?

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In Gwilt's own opinion, a good design must first and foremost form an innate connection between the user and the product.

"Someone needs to look at the product and instantly understand what it is and how it can benefit them," he said. 

#20

Disco Ball, But Interior

Disco Ball, But Interior

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

Oh my, imagine taking acid in here. Party on or major freak out= only time will tell.

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#21

I Was Asked To Design A Topless Bar, They Weren’t Happy With The Outcome

I Was Asked To Design A Topless Bar, They Weren’t Happy With The Outcome

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"The goal is to design a product that is understandable and desirable. It should integrate neatly with the existing lifestyle of the customer, and improve it for the better."

"I feel like 'industrial design' has hit a wave of public interest in recent years," the designer and internet personality added.

So maybe we'll be seeing fewer and fewer products like these?

#24

When Nature Calls

When Nature Calls

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

When nature calls then you have to answer the call and in this case anyone can listen to your conversation with nature.

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#25

Water Pump

Water Pump

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

I'm the least feminine woman I know but OH MY GOD this looks pretty damn cool especially with the rest of the bathroom.

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#26

Bed Bath & Beyond Me

Bed Bath & Beyond Me

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#27

Cargo Dress On, So Far I’ve Lost My Keys, Money, Watch… Send Help

Cargo Dress On, So Far I’ve Lost My Keys, Money, Watch… Send Help

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#28

Toe Shoes

Toe Shoes

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zimalady avatar
love u
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it took me a while to realize they weren't transparent, my feet still have the cramp though

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#29

Mooooove Over Tiled Splash Backs

Mooooove Over Tiled Splash Backs

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#32

Got A Sinking Feeling About This

Got A Sinking Feeling About This

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#34

What Kind Of Crime Do You Need To Commit To Be Sent Here? *bidet Attachment Extra Charge

What Kind Of Crime Do You Need To Commit To Be Sent Here? *bidet Attachment Extra Charge

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TheAquarius1978
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It might be Ugly and on bad taste, but One thing it os for sure, practical, that is very practical.

sueuser avatar
Sue User
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is very practical for those with health care issues. In fact, looking at the industrial flooring, it just might be a hospital/ home/ hospice.

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

It would be perfect for someone with mobility issues and could not walk very well.

idrow1 avatar
idrow1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen pics of prison cells in civilized countries. They look like this, it's a pretty sweet set up.

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

Surely this must have been designed for someone with mobility issues, right?

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

It looks like a Scandinavian prison cell. That's basically my retirement plan. Way cheaper, and guaranteed food.

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

When you have to get up to p** 4 or 5 times a night, this looks really really attractive.

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

At least if you get drunk in bed you don't have to go far to barf!

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

It's all good until you get the squits and then you're sleeping in your very own sewer.

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

Considering the number of times I get up to pee... it's almost perfect.

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

This reminds me of Europen hotels that used to have one restroom per floor and one room suites but were remodeled. I've stayed in hotels that were like this, it was nice since I was alone.

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

Elderly? Or area where space is scarce. Better than Hong Kong s coffin apartments.

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Mac1948
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably a Federal prison for all the politician caught breaking the laws. Yeah, rare but it happens.

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

This reminds me of the "single accommodations" on a certain new cruise line (cough: virgin). Instead of a porthole, it has a video screen showing the view out side.

dremosley avatar
Dre Mosley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this one of those Efficiency apartments where everything is in one room? Usually in those, the bath area is private though.

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

This is pretty common in Asian countries. Lots of people very little space. Apartments are the size of a room

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

Well hey, at least you won't have to go into the dark hallway.

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AuthorHeart<3
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a hotel where the tub was in the middle of the bedroom, but at least the toilet was somewhere else

daniela_damato_94 avatar
Daaaaaaaaaaa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently stayed in a place in Spain like this and boy oh boy was it handy when I was blind drunk and needed to vom at 5 am.

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The Other Guest
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

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

I could see myself accidently knocking my phone into the toilet ... everyday.

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

This looks a lot like a hotel I was at. they build a little box around the bathroom tho, so the room was even smaller than what you see.

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

A room for those either very drunk or who have an upset stomach

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#35

Stare Wars. In A Galaxy Far Far Away, This Makes Sense

Stare Wars. In A Galaxy Far Far Away, This Makes Sense

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#37

Looks Just Like The Real Thing

Looks Just Like The Real Thing

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#38

Pimp My Chair

Pimp My Chair

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

This isn't really a design fail though. I don't mind having this, as far as it's comfortable

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#39

Rouch Is The New Bouclé

Rouch Is The New Bouclé

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#42

Gamer Of Thrones

Gamer Of Thrones

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#46

Hand Bag

Hand Bag

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

Could you imagine dropping your keys or a headphone in there? You would have to check every individual finger to find them and then somehow fish it out.

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#48

Derelicté Zoolander. The Worst Part Is Wearing Socks With Slippers

Derelicté Zoolander. The Worst Part Is Wearing Socks With Slippers

c.r.a.p.design Report

#50

Pop Culture

Pop Culture

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Note: this post originally had 110 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.