Nobody gets surprised by jerk designs anymore. Those are everywhere, from face creams to cereal boxes, and the long time favorite offender—bags of chips, which are known for their conspiracy to sell air, ‘cause why wouldn't they throw just a tiny bit more inside?!
But believe it or not, the internet’s got a fair share of evidence that the very opposite of jerk design exists. In fact, there’s a whole subreddit dedicated to examples of “design that benefits the user at the expense of the company.”
You heard it right, sometimes brands and companies can truly come up with solutions that show they do care about the people who use them. And no, there's no irony there! So scroll down to see the best of anti-jerk designs spotted by eagle-eyed people who just had to share them online.
This post may include affiliate links.
Found In The Ladies Restroom
The Dyslexie Font
To find out more about the subreddit community that collects and shares examples of good design, Bored Panda reached out to its moderator Dale. He explained that the subreddit was first created as an offshoot of another subreddit with a similar name.
“It was created for the purpose of celebrating the effort made by companies and organizations that are directly for the benefit of the consumer. Particularly those efforts that may be at their expense.” Meanwhile, the sub has grown fairly strictly along these lines ever since. Dale also said that the community members celebrate good design and environmentally friendly decisions made by these groups.
“This may include things like the ability to turn off ads for free on free apps. Or, articles or videos that include the answer to questions before the content (such as in the title) as a kind of anti-clickbait. Our sub icon Adam Neely is a YouTuber and a great example of this.”
This Is Amazing
Let’s All Think Back To Middle School (Or Any Other Time) And Think About How Great It Would’ve Been To Have This Instead Of Needing To Muster The Courage To Ask Someone
This is useful. I hope more schools and education systems are aware of these issues.
The community currently has over 160k members that make up “a diverse crowd with a common goal to celebrate and spread the news of good companies and organizations with consumer-friendly practices. It has been gaining traction and the subreddit has been growing steadily since its inception,” the moderator added.
Dale believes that companies these days are moving further in two opposite directions. “Some companies are becoming more ethical, caring and thoughtful towards their consumers, doing what is right and being rewarded through the growing mindset of being an ethical consumer.”
However, “There are also companies that are prioritizing fast profit over everything else and, as a result, will be gracing the front page of our sister subreddit.” “I think more and more, as time goes on, companies need to be mindful of which side they will choose when it comes to developing their brand,” he added.
This Sign
Still doesnt work. Come to Edmonton Alberta Canada and the low level bridge that has an escape route for people who are new to the area and a warning sign and they Still manage to run into it an cause damage an back up traffic in a busy area.
You make something idiot proof, they invent a better idiot.
Load More Replies...Just a note; this sign was in my hometown. And I must confess, it did not work. There was usually a box truck getting stuck at least 2 times a month. Thankfully the bridge was redone/lifted for safety and the sign was no longer needed. When it was removed the sign was bent and scuffed up from being hit so much. lol
Parking garages often hang a bumper tube for this same purpose. My dad was driving a car with a wheelchair container on top and I was following him. He hit that tube going into the garage and paused, but he's a stubborn man and just continued into the garage until he wedged it into a spot so tightly that his wheel wells were pretty much touching his wheels. And he calls me "blond to the toes" (his way of calling me dumb).
So simple yet so damn clever! I have a lot of relatively low bridges near my home in the UK. The last time a bus got lost and ended up removing the top half of a double decker bus it took out a major train route to London for several days. Not to mention terrifying 70 school children.
I came up with a similar idea to tackle a low section of roof inside a bus station. The architects rejected it out of hand because they said, "if a double decker goes in there, hitting the warning sign would terrify passengers in the top deck. it is better to ban double deckers from this area of the bus station." Don't know why I didn't think of that for myself! Thank God for the wisdom of architects!
Load More Replies...if i hit it instead of comic twang thered be a THUD , and then , "at least i didnt hit the bridge!"
Go to truman road in KC. Hilarious. Every time. They wedge themselves in real good sometimes.
Do you mean the railroad bridge on Independence Avenue, near Wilson Road? I've never heard of a truck-eating bridge on Truman Road.
Load More Replies...Nice warning! Can't say you didn't get advanced notice!
Ok what IF it's a windy day and the banner taps your big-rig a couple of times while driving underneath it BUT you've driven underneath this bridge millions of times before in the same big-rig with no problems ever occurring before ? Does this mean that you will still hit the bridge ?
This happened at an exceptionally low bridge in Ashford, Kent. Local drivers always knew they could get under it despite the signs. Every week a stranger would hit it but the locals knew better. Then the council repaired the damaged road surface under the bridge by putting 2" of fresh tarmac on it.....
Load More Replies...I've seen trucks peeled open like cans, because if you keep driving eventually that screeching sound may stop. We had a driver wedge a box truck in the drive through at a Burger King. Took out the corner of the building. Posed for pictures and everything.
My area has a train trestle that has been hit, a lot. Now, we've got so many "bells and whistles" around the area that, it should be noted, idiots still manage to hit the trestle.
I've been through here! We need a sign like that for a train overpass near my home, too.
Our town, Tiffin, Ohio, needs this sign! Numerous trucks have hit our viaduct. It's crazy the driver has a hard time judging, but it's a serious problem. Thanks!!
Given the number of buses that have hit bridges in the UK in the last year, we could do with these
I have seen videos where the truck plows past the sign and crashes the truck.
Just recently two people died when a crane crashed into a bridge. A sign like this could have saved them.
Most folks never look up and would miss that sign. Makes me wonder how many times it has been hit.
We have a low bridge in my town that is hit constantly! (Onondaga Lake Parkway bridge). The road even has sensors and giant signs that flash if your over height. I'm bringing this pic to our next town meeting as a suggested solution!
Why not just have a light beam that if broken sets off lights telling drivers to stop? It's low tech and would stop it happening everywhere.
The one on Independence Avenue in Kansas City has huge signs AND flashing lights. Trucks still get stuck. The drivers are either arrogant fools who think *they* are 'special' and will make it, or they are illiterate & can't read the multiple signs. An electronic beam isn't going to stop them!
Load More Replies...Don't know if that sign fits here but it sure fits that little town just perfect! I wonder how many times they had to repair the bridge before they hung the sign?
Compared to other methods that have been employed to keep oversize vehicles from causing damage, this one is simple, inexpensive, and hopefully effective.
Load More Replies...This Toilet Paper Roll Contains A Mini Paper Roll To Carry With You, Instead Of An Hollow Carbord Roll!
When Tesla Has Common Sense
This is honestly great. Like with the sign and with the AC. Genius.
The Strings On This Fan Show Which String Does What
Save The Turtles
Dale believes that communities such as their subreddit are vital to spread the word and shed light on these virtuous business practices. “Being nice is its own reward. However, if subreddits like ours can help boost these companies, then all the better.”
The moderator added that companies should be rewarded for ethical and kind decisions. “There does not need to be a financial loss for kindness. Money spent on good design can pay dividends in this brave new global economy.”
This Bottle That Is Designed To Use All The Liquid On It
My Local Shopping Centre Has A Special Time Where The Entire Building Is Autism Friendly
An Easy Way To Ask The Company To Repair Wheels
Remember This When Walking Your Pets
That's why I only walk my boy early in the morning, late evening and at night. A random 3 am walk is the best thing :). I often see pets on leashes in the middle of the day, panting like crazy and I feel so bad for them and their precious paws.
Tinder Is Having Your Back When The Government Doesn’t
The sad reality is that this sort of thing is still necessary in this day & age. Hats off to Tinder for keeping people safe in this instance! They have a long way to go but at least they're doing good in one regard.
Designs that we see on the top shelves at supermarkets or on the top line in our internet browser have changed beyond recognition in the past decades. Previously, they all served a lone purpose to sell, whatever it took. From bright colors to deceptive packaging, nothing used to be off limits.
But millennials are now driving brands to practice socially responsible and user-friendly design. Not only are they less likely to spend their hard-earned money on things they don’t really need to compare with previous generations, they also expect much more from the brand than the thing they’re buying.
This Rite-Aid Has A Magnifier So You Can Read The Labels On The Medicine
China’s Largest E-Commerce Company Uses Its Boxes As Flyers For Missing Persons
Clothes Company Puts Options For Multiple Owners On Childrens Coats
Bought A Box Of Screws - It Came With The Bit Needed To Put Them In
Yearbook Picture With A Gap To Avoid Lost In Binding
Me chilling in britain "they cant exactly do that with my face can they , or do i need a bigger school bag ?"
It turns out that millennials prefer to do business with brands that have prosocial messages, ethical standards, and sustainable methods. Not only do they expect companies to be transparent in their manufacturing processes, they also deeply care about them being socially responsible.
This is partly because, in the past decade, the things we consume, buy, and wear have become silent messages we give out to people. Every brand label may speak volumes, and millennials are not risking putting on a jacket just because it’s cold outside when they know very well that it’s produced in sweat shops in third-world countries.
If You Try To Enter The Antivax Subreddit It Brings A Detailed Warning About The Misinformation You Might Find
Design That Prevents A-Holes From Creating New Accounts
This Alarm Which Saved Me A Frantic Call To My Boss Tomorrow
Legos Explains
My New Sheets Have Tags On Each Side That Either Says “Side” Or “Top Or Bottom”
Sauce Warning
Consider that typical millennials and the following generations are much less susceptible to “traditional” marketing techniques, such as the television commercial and the billboard. It’s because their hectic lifestyles have taught them to value their time and choose wisely where to eat, what to wear, and how to spend their evening.
Moreover, surrounded by a capitalist boom in early childhood, millennials grew immune to obtrusive marketing, which is mainly self-interested. These days, they expect brands to be open and communicative about how they operate in the world and to seek incremental and positive social change.
A Hot Stamp Instead Of A Sticker
This Goodyear Tire Has Tread Depth Measuring Built Into The Rubber.
all tires/tyres have treadwear indicators. Its a line of raised rubber that runs perpindicular to the tread pattern. When the tread is worn evenly with the TWI, replace the tire. treadwear-...bc2e53.jpg
During The Pandemic, This Feels So Much Safer Than Using The Normal Buttons
This Metal Slide Is Water Cooled So It Doesn't Burn Kids In The Summer
The key term is “corporate social responsibility,” which, according to Forbes, embodies 4 major qualities that millennials look for in companies these days. First, they want companies to be actively invested in the betterment of society and the solution of social problems. Second, they want companies that prioritize “making an impact” on the world around them.
Third, they want companies to be open and honest about their efforts—and to be public about their pro-social initiatives. And lastly, millennials want companies to involve their customers in their good works. An opportunity to give back to people is something inherently millennial, and shows how every effort from the brand’s point of view really matters.
This Verification System Is Easier Than Captcha And Not As Confusing
This Considerate Pup-Up
This School Has A Large Periodic Table On The Wall With Things Where Each Element Is Used
My Bike Seat Is Also A Bike Pump
The Way These Sardines Are Packaged With Transparent Lid
me "dont throw up dont throw up dont throw up " other than that its cool!
To sum it up, the bare minimum of a user-friendly package that doesn’t promise what it cannot give is no longer enough. As generations are changing, marketing trends are shifting simultaneously. The brands who’ll be the first to adapt will likely take the biggest piece of the new consumer loyalty cake.
Gmail Will Detect If You Wanted To Attach A File Based On The Content Of Your Email, And Warn You If You Haven't Attached It
This Toilet's Cistern Fills Using A Tap And Sink So You Can Wash Your Hands With No Waste
These Business Cards Have Braille On Them As Well As Printed Text!
The Books At The Bottom Are Flipped At An Angle You Don’t Have To Bend Down To See
Who knew? I think I will sneak into the library and do this to all the bottom shelves.
That’s Actually Super Useful
My Lipton Tea Came With A Teacup Shaped Teabag Holder
Product placement in the coolest way! That's such a cute teacup! Now I need to go buy some Lipton.
Big Unsuscribe Button
The Colder It Gets, The Greater The Discount At This Candy Store (Edmonton, Ab, Canada)
Appropriate Soap For Before Or After You Eat
This Milk Bottle Shows You How Much Milk Is Still Inside
Except for an extra layer of plastic/recycling complications, I don't see the big point... Lifting it will tell you much the same info for most people, and kids can learn. Plastic ones (HDPE, easy to recycle, even at home with an oven) are also sufficiently transparent to already see the level.
Small Detail: The Orientation Of These Two Outlets Are Offset By 90 Degrees So That More Charging Ports Can Fit At Once
My TV Mount Has A Spirit Level Attached To It
Contextual Advice, In Case You’re Like Me And Always Assumed It Would Stay Fresher If You Left The Foil Partially Attached So You Could Re-Cover It When Putting The Lid Back On
This Apple Feature
This Note Says Everyone That Handled My Food Did Not Have A Fever And Has Their Full Names
T-Shirt Size Mentioned On The Hanger Stem Itself. No Need To Check Every T-Shirts To Find The Correct Size
Most stores have these hangers but the clothes aren't always on the right one. Check the labels anyway.
Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Seriously, the titles of most bored panda articles are just ....the opposite of good
Load More Replies...Because everyone is against the use of plastic, so they gotta be warriors about it. Look, I completely agree with not using plastic, but making a comment about it while using a completely toxic thing like a smartphone or a computer, really misses the point.
Load More Replies...why is the top downvoted comment on the top but when you click the comments it shows the highest comment? is it a glitch? :D
It's not just me?! I thought that was just my browser being weird!! I contacted bp coz it's been doing it a few days but I thought maybe I needed a software update or something XD
Load More Replies...For such a positive article, there are A LOT of negative comments. Everyone in a bad mood today?
These are nice, but the fact that people won't stop screaming about the plastic is annoying... you can't just stop using plastic for your business when the world literally runs on plastic. What they are doing, reminding people to recycle is more than what most other companies are doing.
Seriously, the titles of most bored panda articles are just ....the opposite of good
Load More Replies...Because everyone is against the use of plastic, so they gotta be warriors about it. Look, I completely agree with not using plastic, but making a comment about it while using a completely toxic thing like a smartphone or a computer, really misses the point.
Load More Replies...why is the top downvoted comment on the top but when you click the comments it shows the highest comment? is it a glitch? :D
It's not just me?! I thought that was just my browser being weird!! I contacted bp coz it's been doing it a few days but I thought maybe I needed a software update or something XD
Load More Replies...For such a positive article, there are A LOT of negative comments. Everyone in a bad mood today?
These are nice, but the fact that people won't stop screaming about the plastic is annoying... you can't just stop using plastic for your business when the world literally runs on plastic. What they are doing, reminding people to recycle is more than what most other companies are doing.