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Designing a product or structure is more than just aesthetics. Functionality and safety are also prerequisites. Lack at least one of them and you have something that’s bound to fail, if not cause harm or injury, sooner or later. 

These photos show what poor and dangerous designs look like. Just browsing through may make you think to yourself, “What was the person who came up with this thinking?” 

If you’re a product designer or anyone tasked to ensure structural integrity, let these images be your stark reminder of what NOT to do.

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#1

Battery Acid Looks Like A Refreshing Bottle Of Water

Hand holding a clear bottle labeled battery acid in a poorly designed packaging, illustrating terrible product design.

CityDismal5339 Report

Final score:
63points
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    #2

    Long Invisible Steps

    Sidewalk with stairs embedded awkwardly into the flat path, showing terrible product design that lacks logical sense.

    roman_pokora Report

    Final score:
    62points
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    #3

    This Entrance Sign Looks Like A “Do Not Enter” Sign

    Confusing traffic sign showing enter here with a no entry symbol in a parking lot, illustrating terrible product design.

    LinkDude80 Report

    Final score:
    59points
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    Since we’re on the topic of design fails, here are some other famous ones, beginning with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. It received high praise for its dual-curved screen and 4GB of RAM, among other features. 

    However, its major design flaw was its battery system, which caused multiple overheating incidents, including fires and explosions.

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    #4

    Hair Dye Which Looks Like Cereal Box

    Cereal box designed as hair bleach with cartoon character, star-shaped cereal, and milk splash on store shelf.

    alfuciic Report

    Final score:
    53points
    POST
    #5

    Terrible Design For A Hand Gel I Got As A Freebie From A Rep

    Hand sanitizer bottle labeled for dry mouth relief, illustrating a terrible product design that causes confusion.

    PendragonVc Report

    Final score:
    51points
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    #6

    Unbalanced Pan. Only Stands Correctly When There Is Weight In It - Pretty Annoying And Even Dangerous With Hot Oil

    Small frying pan with a broken handle resting on a table outdoors, showing a terrible product design flaw.

    fluppe-roochen Report

    Final score:
    51points
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    Hoverboards became a trend among young people in the mid-2010s. By 2015, these self-balancing scooters were ubiquitous and had become a must-have, driven in part by celebrity influence. 

    In 2023, approximately 25,000 Hover-1 Helix hoverboards were recalled. The reason: the lithium-ion battery was prone to overheating, and like the Galaxy Note 7, it posed a fire hazard.

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    #7

    Been To This Guy’s Place Twice And Have On Multiple Occasions Fallen Victim To The Shin-Blaster 2000

    Corner of bed frame with sharp metal piece posing safety hazard, example of terrible product design without practical sense.

    thegreatjamoco Report

    Final score:
    49points
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    #8

    This Gardening Nutrient Mix That Looks Like Ketchup. It Even Says "Great Flavour"

    Hand holding a red bottle with tomato images showing terrible product design with confusing packaging.

    DaFreakingFox Report

    Final score:
    49points
    POST
    #9

    The Staircase At My Hotel Room Just Drops Off

    Narrow staircase with awkward turn and uneven steps showcasing terrible product design and poor usability.

    Opposite_Strategy_43 Report

    Final score:
    45points
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    When the Nap Nanny came out at the beginning of 2009, it was well on its way to becoming a breakthrough in putting babies to sleep. It included an inclined seat purported to help infants sleep better, particularly during car rides. 

    However, things took a tragic turn in 2010, when an infant lost its life due to positional asphyxia. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission immediately ordered a recall of 30,000 units after concluding that the recliners put children at risk for entrapment, suffocation, and fall hazards. 

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    By 2014, the fatality count had risen to six, yet many parents continued to use it.

    #10

    This Black Lodge Floor Tiling That Supermarkets In My City Have Now

    Patterned floor in a store with confusing geometric tile design causing visual disorientation terrible product design.

    A certain supermarket chain went through rebranding and is now changing all floor tiling to this. Yes, this is on purpose. Yes, it being uneven is ALSO on purpose. All of this is outlined in a brand book. Basically, it's specifically designed to be uncomfortable to look at to draw shoppers' gaze to the shelves to increase sales. Guess what? They're about to lose sales because this gives me migraines.

    backroom_mushroom Report

    Final score:
    45points
    POST
    #11

    Why Put Meltable Plastics On A Thing That Gets Hot?

    Blue butane torch with a metal nozzle held indoors, illustrating terrible product designs that make no sense.

    Unscripted9211 Report

    Final score:
    41points
    POST
    #12

    A Bicycle Path In Belgium

    Bike lane with a pole blocking the path and a car parked on it, showing a terrible product design mistake outdoors.

    CraftingTableGuy Report

    Final score:
    39points
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    Car enthusiasts will remember the Chevrolet Cobalt, the compact vehicle produced from 2005 to 2010. However, a major design defect in its ignition system put its drivers at significant risk. 

    The vehicle’s ignition reportedly turned off while driving because of the weight of a heavy key chain or when accidentally bumped by the driver’s knee. It causes a sudden stop, and the driver loses complete control of the vehicle. 

    General Motors issued a recall on 700,000 Chevy Cobalts, as the company discontinued its production soon after.

    #13

    Dangerous Design For A Surface Cleaner

    Hand holding a surface cleaner can designed like a soda can, illustrating terrible product designs concept.

    toscanius Report

    Final score:
    38points
    POST
    #14

    Slanted Table Front - Stuff Slides Off

    Hand holding a blue glass next to a triangular table corner, showcasing terrible product designs that make no sense.

    Apex_Ventures Report

    Final score:
    35points
    POST
    #15

    These Are Very Sharp, Very Adult Knives

    Set of colorful kitchen knives with animal illustrations showcasing terrible product designs that make absolutely no sense.

    isotaco Report

    Final score:
    34points
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    Firestone is a known brand name for supposedly high-quality tires. That reputation was shattered in November 2000 when the company recalled 6.6 million tires. 

    It was found that the treads separated at high speeds and high temperatures, causing SUVs to roll over. Ford Explorers were most affected at the time, accounting for at least 174 fatalities and over 700 injuries.

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    #16

    Been Stuck Sitting In This Horrid Chair All Afternoon

    Metal chair with missing front leg in outdoor setting, an example of terrible product designs that make no sense.

    flatearthmom Report

    Final score:
    33points
    POST
    #17

    So Is It Off Or Set To 60 Watts?

    Yellow glue gun with a confusing power switch labeled 60W and 100W circled in red on a wooden surface.

    jbosh999 Report

    Final score:
    33points
    POST
    #18

    This “Engineering Building” At My University Which Was So Poorly Designed It Was Deemed Unsafe For Use And Is Now Derelict

    Modern building with an overhanging upper structure, illustrating terrible product designs that make no sense in architecture.

    RoyalT663 Report

    Final score:
    32points
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    #19

    This Door Handle’s Edges Are Sharp, So It Hurts Your Hand To Open

    Door handle designed like a giant s***w, showcasing a terrible product design making no sense in functionality.

    7FishInABucket Report

    Final score:
    29points
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    #20

    The Entrance Of Possible End

    Top view of poorly designed double front doors opening inward onto stairs, illustrating terrible product design flaws.

    Turk137 Report

    Final score:
    28points
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    #21

    Accessibility Ramp At The Resort I’m Staying At In Mexico. There Are A Bunch Of Other Awful Ramps Around The Premises, But This Is Definitely The Worst One

    Wavy staircase handrail with uneven design creating a confusing and terrible product design indoors.

    Boring_Customer4982 Report

    Final score:
    28points
    POST
    #22

    Roof Of University Building Intentionally Leaks Water And It Spatters Everywhere

    Modern interior with unusual product designs featuring recessed seating and awkward floor grates disrupting the space flow.

    DaanA_147 Report

    Final score:
    28points
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    #23

    At What Point Do You Just Go "Ya Know What, It Isn't Worth The Open Floor Water Feature"

    Indoor fountain surrounded by chains and caution signs showing a confusing terrible product design in a public space.

    UncleGarfunkle Report

    Final score:
    27points
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    #24

    This Is Elmer's Gue... Don't Eat It?

    Container of glue designed like hot chocolate with marshmallows, illustrating terrible product designs that confuse users.

    thesunbeamslook Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    #25

    The Hidden Danger Of A Pineapple Lamp

    Hand adjusting a lamp with sharp metal leaves, an example of terrible product designs that make no sense.

    reddit.com Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    #26

    These Traffic Light Designs Are Kind Of Dangerous

    Traffic lights with confusing red and green signals at night under an overpass, showing terrible product designs.

    Taken in Subang outside of (what used to be) Damen USJ. You can see the green lights that aren’t meant for you. Maybe they should install some sort of shade to prevent the light from showing off to the sides.

    lolfuljames Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    #27

    My Local Park Benches Made Of Stainless Steel. Too Cold To Sit On In Winter, Too Hot To Sit On In Summer

    Metal bench with uneven bars and uncomfortable design, an example of terrible product designs that make no sense.

    TheHyperFlame Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    #28

    User-Friendly Pool Ladder

    Pool ladder installed with steps submerged underwater, an example of terrible product design that makes no sense.

    reddit.com Report

    Final score:
    24points
    POST
    #29

    This Unreasonably Dangerous Walkway

    Raised platforms designed without stairs or ramps, an example of terrible product designs that make no sense in public spaces.

    danthewildcat Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    #30

    Dangerous Step Downtown Merida, Mexico

    Concrete stairs with inconsistent step heights and uneven design creating a confusing product design flaw outdoors.

    WilliamFromIndiana Report

    Final score:
    22points
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    #31

    Straight Into The Sidewalk

    Awkward building extension blocking the sidewalk, an example of terrible product designs that hinder pedestrian movement.

    daerlaniv Report

    Final score:
    21points
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    #32

    If I Drive Anywhere Between 3:00 Pm And Sunset I Get Blinded By My Cars Gearshift Surround

    Car gear shift and temperature controls with a poorly placed cup holder in a terrible product design example.

    jmp325 Report

    Final score:
    21points
    POST
    #33

    The Door Stopper Is Lined Up Directly With The Handle Leading To Many Squished Fingers…

    Confusing product design showing a hockey puck stuck on a metal pole next to a door handle in a public space.

    WizardHarryDresden Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    #34

    Electric Charging Cables That Become Trip Wires When In Use

    Electric vehicle charging station cable extending across sidewalk, posing a hazard in terrible product design example at night.

    Pitiful-Bluebird7951 Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
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    #35

    What Could Go Wrong! (Btw It’s Pitch Black Until You Hit The Light Switch)

    Fire alarm and door opener switches placed awkwardly around a light switch, illustrating terrible product designs.

    Potential_Lock_5212 Report

    Final score:
    19points
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    #36

    This Diesel Conditioner Is Bottled Like Apple Juice

    Rows of diesel conditioner bottles with confusing packaging design on a store shelf showcasing terrible product designs.

    PM_ME_YOUR_HAMMER Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    #37

    These Stairs At My Cabin Vacation Feel Designed To

    Unusual product design of wooden stairs with uneven steps and oddly placed handrails causing safety concerns.

    EAT_UR_VEGGIES Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    #38

    Motion Activated Sanitizer Dispenser Next To A Door Leads To Permanently Soaked Floor

    Confusing product design showing a hand sanitizer dispenser blocked by narrow space and metal bars on a train.

    DJ_Maxyyt Report

    Final score:
    18points
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    #39

    This Bike Lane

    Bike lane design flaw ending abruptly into a parking area, illustrating terrible product designs that make no sense.

    reddit.com Report

    Final score:
    16points
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    #40

    Child Electric Outlet Cover With Top Pin That Activates The Bottom Live Sockets Whilst Making Them Accessible

    Hand holding a useless plug design next to a UK power socket, illustrating terrible product design that makes no sense.

    towerhil Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #41

    Be Careful. This Is Just A Stretchy Gummy Toy. Not A Large Edible Candy. Technically They Say It On The Front Of You Look A Bit

    Hand holding a jumbo sweet-ish fish toy packaging illustrating terrible product designs with confusing food-like appearance.

    Amish-Hacker Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #42

    Stairway To Plumbing And Coax Cable Management Heaven

    Carpeted stairs with awkward design including a narrow, unusable step and large pipes obstructing the walkway in terrible product design.

    Typ0r8r Report

    Final score:
    15points
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    #43

    Vaguely Dangerous Playground Slide

    A small playground slide ending abruptly at a street, illustrating terrible product design that makes no sense.

    gavarnie Report

    Final score:
    15points
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    #44

    This Toilet At The Hotel I Went To

    Bathroom with a toilet installed directly under a sink countertop, illustrating terrible product design choices.

    Independent-Eagle296 Report

    Final score:
    14points
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    #45

    Slide In Estepona

    Outdoor slide with multiple sharp bends installed on a steep hill, an example of terrible product designs that make no sense.

    HeartDry Report

    Final score:
    14points
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    #46

    Curb To Trip On Between The Sidewalk And Crosswalk

    Sidewalk curb ramp missing a proper slope, illustrating a terrible product design flaw in urban accessibility features.

    HappyChandler Report

    Final score:
    13points
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    #47

    Literal Hell For Budget Flyers.(Standing Seats)

    Three unusual airplane seats displayed at an exhibition, highlighting terrible product designs that make no sense.

    DistinctScene0 Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    #48

    Sorry, What Am I Allowed To Do Between 3pm And 8pm?

    Traffic lights with confusing directional sign showing contradictory left and right turn arrows, a terrible product design example.

    mynamesethan Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    #49

    You Can't Drink Out Of This Bottle Without Hurting Your Nose

    Person drinking from a water bottle with a terrible product design that obstructs easy sipping.

    GinsengFlavouring Report

    Final score:
    7points
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