To create a solution, you first have to spot the problem. But what if the problem keeps getting overlooked?
Most of us go through the day without really noticing the small things that could be better. Some of them don’t affect us directly, so we don’t give them much thought. Others we’ve just accepted as normal, even if they’re inconvenient.
Thankfully, there are people who pay more attention. People who care enough to notice and smart enough to come up with clever ways to make things easier. Below are some of their best ideas, guaranteed to make you say, “How did no one think of this sooner?”
This post may include affiliate links.
Cat Tree Came In A Box With Instructions To Make A Cat House
This Crosswalk Lights Up When You Cross To Improve Visibility For The Drivers
If they can land on a strip that short, they deserve the victory lol.
Load More Replies...I think the pads also get warm, so snow isn't a problem.
Load More Replies...This Chair In An Office Cafeteria Has A Notch To Hang Bags
I've said this about public establishments my whole life: PURSE HOOKS EVERYWHERE, PLEASE.
Yeah! If youre gonna take our pockets, at least give us a notch!
Load More Replies...A lot of problems go unsolved simply because the people in charge of solving them don’t experience them at all. Think about how many public spaces we use, transports we take, or devices we rely on—yet so many of them aren’t designed with everyone in mind.
Once you start paying attention to how people with disabilities, learning difficulties, or even different cultural backgrounds navigate the world, it’s hard not to notice how many environments just aren’t built for them.
Menorca Airport Has Holding Pens For Toddlers At The Luggage Belt
I may be downvoted as well, but in all that crowding, especially if more than one child is in there, there's no way a parent can keep an eye on the child and retrieve bags at the same time. They literally have to walk away. In the worse place in the world to snatch a child.
Load More Replies...The Bedsheets In Government Hospitals (Of Kerala) Have The Day Printed On Them To Ensure They Are Changed Daily
Why would you change your bed sheets daily?
Load More Replies...Tea Shipment Used The Scraps From Tea Bags As Box Filler
Smartest idea I've seen in a LONG time. I used to work in shipping. The materials are EXPENSIVE and they are using their "garbage" to safely pack boxes is ingenious.
For me, what really changed my perspective on design was watching videos from wheelchair users showing what their daily routines actually look like.
Suddenly, I couldn’t unsee it—the ramps that are too steep, the doorways with high thresholds most of us step over without a thought, but that require real effort and navigation if you’re using a wheelchair.
Things Like That Should Be In More Places
Why not place the description on a plaque instead, since it's easier to locate and clean?
These Sheets I Just Bought Are A Game Changer
Chemistry Teacher Made Their Classroom Ceiling Into The Periodic Table
I'm going to be pissed if the element responsible for those lights is not one of the lit-up squares.
And here’s the thing: modern inclusive design doesn’t just revolve around accommodating disabilities.
It’s a broader approach. It recognizes the full range of human diversity, including physical ability, age, gender, culture, and language.
The goal isn’t to fix one specific problem, but to create environments, products, and services that work better for everyone.
This Shoe Storage Under Stairs
Imagine the air quality when you pull it out after it's been closed for the night :)
A few stick on air fresheners would do the trick.
Load More Replies...What do you think is under a staircase? Stilts? A massive cement block? Have a look at literally any staircase in a tenement house, dear. Actually, this is quite normal in the houses I live in. You use the storage room you have, instead of paying for space you don't use.
Load More Replies...This Coffee Shop Uses Coffee Ice Cubes So Your Iced Coffee Doesn't Get Watered Down When The Ice Melts
If a vegetable is frozen, does that also make it stale? Or meat? Come on.
Load More Replies...My Coffee Cup Has A Fold Down Lid Instead Of A Plastic One
So, what does this look like in practice?
Let’s return to our wheelchair example. Ramps and elevators obviously help people with mobility challenges, but they’re also great for parents with strollers, delivery workers, travelers with luggage, or anyone who just doesn’t want to take the stairs.
That’s the beauty of thoughtful design, it solves more than one problem at once.
In Japan, Baggage Scales Are Flat On The Ground, So You Don't Have To Lift Your Heavy Suitcases
UK, Australia... every u have to lift and do your back in
Load More Replies...I believe it. Right here in the US the midwest is generally about 10 years behind Cali.
Load More Replies...This Park Has A Swing For Kids In A Wheelchair
There's a rope in front of the swing, blocking the swing from being pushed too fast. I moved it around to see, it's pretty limited how far/high it can be pushed. Either way, kids can figure out a way to injure themselves on anything I suppose.
A wheelchair-bound child is not going to maneuver onto that thing alone; typically there is a responsible adult or caregiver present. Hopefully they would ensure that the child (or even adult) is safe.
Barrier-Free Access To The Sea For Wheelchair Users In Zadar, Croatia
This is great for elderly people too. My dad is a bit unstable when he walks so he no longer goes in the water at the beach.
Another example? Closed captions and transcripts. Essential for those with hearing loss, sure, but also a lifesaver if you’re learning a new language, watching something in a noisy space, or just multitasking.
Personally, I can’t watch anything without subtitles anymore, not because I need them, but because dialogue is often hard to catch, or I get distracted, or I’m eating chips too loudly. Captions help.
This Park Has Ramps Throughout It So Kids In Wheelchairs Can Play Too
Y'all just come down to San Antonio and visit Morgan's Wonderland, the only amusement park in the US exclusively for the disabled. Admission is free for all disabled visitors. It's huge, and has attractions both they and their able-bodied companions can enjoy. Check it out!
Not true. The US is one of the more accessible countries for people with disabilities. Thanks to the ADA. Unless the idiots in power get rid of it.
Load More Replies...This Toilet Paper Roll Contains A Mini Paper Roll To Carry With You, Instead Of An Hollow Carbord Roll
I’m shocked! Shrinkflation has made my toilet paper rolls small enough for Barbie to use. Trying to figure out toilet paper math to determine which one really is bigger requires math skills only possessed by MENSA members.
Ive been using a bidet since 2020. Since i ha ve that, i now buy the cheapest Scott I can find and it lasts forever because its barely used for anything more than a blot. As the hole is shiz free. Genius
Load More Replies...A "Roadprinter" I Spotted Walking Down The Street. "Printing" Cobblestone
Arlington county has been using these on brick sidewalks and they're amazing to watch.
If it prints cobblestone then what are the skids of cobblestone for? It organizes them into the pattern. Doesn't really print them, I think.
It's more a stand up desk for the workers. They place the stones in a certain pattern on the top of the machine.
Load More Replies...Adjustable fonts and large print are another great example. They support users with visual impairments, but they also make reading easier on small screens or in bright light. It’s a win for everyone.
Snack Serving Robot In China Upset With Me Because I Didn't Take Any Snacks
cyberpunk that we deserves: a passive agressive wheelie bin
These Glow In The Dark Door Handle Stickers In Case The Power Goes Out When You’re In The Room
LED Bathroom Handles At Train Station In Sweden Change Colors Based On Occupancy
I know they've been around a while, but in SoCal see more and more red/green indicators in parking lots. Individual detectors above trigger whether a space is taken or available.
We have those in the local malls in my area. Very helpful.
Load More Replies...That could be remedied by adding a blinking feature to one of the options.
Load More Replies...Unfortunately, even with all the brilliant minds working in this space, many environments still fall short. A study by PRP Architects found that 3 in 10 people don’t find their local public spaces accessible or welcoming.
One big reason is that, as PRP points out, the people doing the designing often don’t reflect the people they’re designing for.
“Who lives around us isn’t quite reflected in who [architects] are as a group of people,” says David Hawkins, PRP Architect and ED&I Champion.
In the UK, for example, 68% of architects identify as male, compared to 49% of the general population. According to the same data, 88% of architects identify as non-disabled, while that number is only 76% for the broader UK population. And 50% of architects live in London and the South East, hardly representative of the whole country.
In Bilbao, Spain, There Are Escalators On The Sidewalks To Help Older People Up Steep Hills
These Public Benches Are Reversible, So You Can Choose To Look At People, Or Boats
My Sister-In-Law’s Dishwasher Projects Onto The Floor How Much Time Is Left
I have a machine that is the cheapest version of it's line, so when the finer models have this feature, I just have a spot of light pointing my floor. .
Same. Which is a step up for me. I've never had one that even shows the red light before!
Load More Replies...So maybe we should all start noticing and educating ourselves a little more. Next time you’re at a playground, boarding a bus, scrolling a website, or walking into a café, take a moment to consider who can actually use this, and who might be left out.
Because that’s where the smartest solutions begin: by truly seeing the problem in the first place.
This Restaurant I Went To Has Solar-Powered Phone Chargers Built Into The Umbrellas
For Pre-Approved Protests, South Korea Police's Sanitary Div. Deploys Portable Toilets For Protesters To Use
Also to clarify, it's also for the police force there but anyone can use it freely. Was air-conditioned and clean 8/10.
For clarification, "pre-approved" means you'll get the police's assistance when doing protests. In this case, it was a worker's union protest. They got toilets, road blockades and traffic control for parading, light towers, portable cell tower, and noise monitoring not to bother the neighbors. They won't arrest you for not getting approved as long as you don't break the law or be a nuisance.
That is BRILLIANT. I honestly spend too much time wondering what you're supposed to do if you need the loo in this kind of situation.
Last protest I was, there were two portaloos. I think the organisers ordered them.
Load More Replies...How better to be sure to get pictures of everyone involved in the protest!?
Being a nuisance doesn't mean you should s**t on the street. Also, could you kindly think of people who want to raise their voice in a protest but need to go to the loo more often because of health conditions?
Load More Replies...Pick ‘N’ Mix For Pets, At The Supermarket
These Band-Aids Designed To Match Different Skin Colors
Always funny when work colleagues had a little papercut and had to accept my dinosaur band-aids (because taking them from the First Aid box meant you had to report it to the department secretary so the boxes could be refilled if necessary).
Load More Replies...Is it a mixed box? That would be good in some homes and places and less good in others. Maybe they sold then separately as well. It's an excellent idea.
My thought exactly. If one main color is preferred by everyone in the household, the others are apt to go to waste. I'd rather have a whole box of preferred color, in various sizes.
Load More Replies...I’m 74. I thought of this when I was a teenager. Why did it take so long?
I had a kid I was tutoring who was mixed race and she was SO excited to find that they now make crayons and markers in different flesh tones. Because she can now draw people that look just like her.
This Mall In Oakville, Ontario Has Two Active Bee Hives On The Roof
New York City Parks Now Have Bins Specifically For Empty Pizza Boxes
I just saw this for the first time on the boardwalk in Jersey. About time!
How They Move Stuff In Amsterdam
The hook sticking out right at the top of the building was for ropes to haul things up before this was invented. Narrow stairs make getting large items in impossible that way.
This type of house is also built slightly tilted forward, so when hauling furniture up or down, nothing hits the building or a window on a lower floor. IIRC, the windows can be easily removed, frame and all, to facilitate this type of moving.
Load More Replies...It sure as hell beats carrying it up the stairs. Great way to do it.
My Shirt Has A Cloth For Cleaning Glasses Sewn Into It
Then the dryer sheets or fabric softener get in there and its like accidentally using a Puffs Plus Lotion to clean your glasses.
Reusable Resealable Cans At My Local Shop. UK
That's genius ! And when you wash them then you keep it forever !
This Bag Designed For Pizza
In My City There Are Milk Machines Where You Can Buy Milk In Your Own Container
Pack Of Briefs Has A Guide To Checking Yourself For Testicular Cancer On The Reverse
They could add a notice that it's not just older men that get testicular cancer. You can develop it in your 20s. Men of all ages need to check!
Fact #1 states that its the most prominent in ages 15-49...
Load More Replies...Trams In Gold Coast, Australia Have Surfboard Parking
My Grocery Installed An Indoor Farm For Veggies
It actually wasn’t more expensive which was wild.
The Construction Guy Near My House As A Solar Powered Fan Helmet To Stay Cool
Goodyear Tire Wear Gauge
I Love How This Supermarket Prints Out Instructions On How To Make Your Food Last Longer
"best eaten in room temperature" - no. it definitely depends on the taste of the person.
This Device In A German Bakery That Shows Different Bread Slice Sizes
Maybe they are superstitious. Many superstitious people think the number 13 is unlucky. Many tall hotels do not have a 13th floor.
Load More Replies...Construction Company Covering Neighboring Cars To Keep Them Dust Free
Our Local Supermarket Offers Free Fruits For Children To Snack While Shopping
Been doing this Australia for years. It's ridiculous. The little ferals leave bitten-into apples all over the place, squish bananas onto the racks, drop peels on the floor. And god forbid if an adult takes one...!
Woolworth (Wollies) in Australia does this. Might even be a pic from there, since the baskets are green.
The Shower At My Hotel Has A Flow Meter To Know How Much Water You Use
Bonus: ice cap is melting and polar bear disappears if you use too much.
Cute, but I really don't think that people taking too long showers in hotels are the main, or even the 1,000th most important reason for the ice caps melting. Taking the plane to the place where one stays in the hotel is probably wayyyy more to blame. Though I can see it as a good idea in places that suffer from lack of fresh water.
Where I live, our water is sourced from an underground aquifer. We strive to conserve water for the good of the community, because if the water levels get too low, we're placed under restrictions. In a drought such as the one we're experiencing, that is absolutely vital.
Why the first thing people think is that it would be guilt-tripping? I think it's gentle engouraging. And the "You think that I souldn't, so I will do it on spite!" thing is just childish.
Load More Replies...This Wealthy City In Oregon Offers Free Sparkling Water Filling Stations On Their Sidewalks
This is where I get my water lol We have both plain and different mineral water springs. Middle class here. GettyImage...06c55d.jpg
I love in the Midwest and have never seen a sparkling water station. Yes, there are water bottle refilling stations everywhere, but having the free water be carbonated isn't as common as you're saying.
Load More Replies...In Japan Spaghetti Portions In Each Bag Are Wrapped Separately And Marked With The Number Of Minutes They Need To Be Boiled For
The wrapping is typical for Japanese noodles like soba, somen, and udon, too, though I don't remember the cooking time being on them. Perhaps that caught on more recently than I've shopped for them. Great idea.
Learn how to measure your noodles and not use so much plastic!
Load More Replies...These Squeaky Kids Shoes Have A Switch To Turn Off The Squeaking
The six year old they belong to LOVES the squeaking. Having them on when she wants and it isn't bothering anyone is great for her. Having them turn off when she wants or its bothering us is great for us.
My Milk Carton Has A Level Indicator
This also indicates that there is a plastic lining inside, instead of using just cardboard.
With a plastic one all you have to do is look at it and you can see how much milk is in it.
South Korea Puts Traffic Lights On The Ground So That People Who're Looking At Their Phones Can Still See The Light
If they can't be bothered to look up, then let Darwin take over.
my country just introduced fines for crossing the street with your nose in your phone. I guess it works.
I have never once walked around while looking at my phone. I'm not that coordinated. People are weird!
I was meeting with some automotive engineers when I joked, "the ultimate solution will be a text message to the pedestrian in peril's phone that says "LOOK OUT!" They wrote it down.
This Pump Bottle Is Designed For You To Get As Much Out Of It As Possible
“Pay-As-You-Fill” And “Walk-Straight-Out” Carts Have Come To My City
Or rather, scan as you fill and pay before you leave. Then you can still make changes when you are inside the shop.
The Windows Of This Monorail In Singapore Turn Opaque When Passing By Residential Buildings, To Protect The Privacy Of Those Living There
Bus Stop In South Korea Is Air Conditioned And Provides ETA Information Of All Arriving Bus
The ETA information is wonderful, we have it too in my area and we never have to wonder if the bus or tram already went or how many minutes we still have to wait. I've heard that this also raises customer satisfaction.
My Plastic Wrap Just Told Me To Add It To My Grocery List
I've never seen nor heard of this. it depends on where you are and what brand of product you purchase.
Load More Replies...This Luggage Store Has An Airplane Set Up For Customers To Test Their Carry Ons And Underseater Bags
In China, Urinals Can Conduct A Health Check-Up For You, For A Fee
At Kuala Lumpur International Airport Malaysia, We Have A Machine Which You Can Locate Where You Park Your Car Precisely By Entering Your Car Plate Number
This makes me very uncomfortable. Why and how does a city in Malaysia know where my car is parked?
A Plant Was Put Under The Hand Dryer In A Public Restroom To Catch The Drips
This Hotel I Stayed At In Japan Let You Pick Out Your Pillows. Complete With Spec Charts
Portland Airport (Pdx) Has A Sensory Room If You're Feeling Nervous About Flying
So you just continue to freak out once you're on the plane, or what?
My Roommates Spatula Has A Stand So The Bit That Touches Your Food Doesn’t Touch The Counter
My mom has some utensils like this. She didn't realize what they were supposed to do so she kept putting them upside down on the counter. Until I showed her. 🙄😂
A Suitcase That Can Measure Its Own Weight
Supermarket Avocado Ripeness Detector
I hate buying cantaloupe because they seldom are ripe no matter what method I use to determine ripeness. Would love this contraption for melons.
The Visual Indicators Projected On The Floor By This Hospital Bed
Missing Person Report On German Juice Packaging
This Wrapping Paper Has A Grid On The Back
Where? I'm French and I've never seen anything like this.
Load More Replies...I've seen that on wrapping paper from a couple of sources. Very helpful.
This Object Used For Holding Pencils Once They Become Small
Artist use these all the times. Good pencils are worth using all the way down.
Yes, they are. My son 3-D printed a few of these for my Faner-Castell colored pencils. Good quality pencils get spendy quickly.
Load More Replies...This Titanium Coated Butter Knife With Internal Copper Alloy Heat Tubes. It’s Made To Heat Up When Held In Your Hand, So That It Is Easier To Spread Butter
Yes - it is available on Amazon. Mine will arrive on Tuesday. https://www.amazon.com/Inventions-That-Serrated-Warming-Spreader/dp/B00UC6214K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LMDJA74UMJVU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CE0bMTZZXWoATkGCnpdH0dUXCps8NLs3HGrkIatUU58Xr8Sr9kXXpxh9v4p0sixjdi6ASI-CZ2o3ztfqrSm_PJ4uTmcAQq7rJDmvkElJ3VxvwqbR7Z-zH0SQXRfMpgVGExI7S68SNVRWdohaYhTgHp7xmhod7PX2_pPHm_1KToOW9ZrkhqRKfSAkXzH-cGWVTytYfrhlBannNWeNgmUgHoVgskJyIyz2WO1vwMJzB458UQS7JinknJQyDzwkzoIr0UdJgVBrTfHBwi2m_GfiimpB-_1PNTxzqxOpNqn_Zms.trU073yQ2z6nXKo0yASiOZGlxXxFiO3yYpAvT4bMq4o&dib_tag=se&keywords=spread%2Bthat%2Bbutter%2Bknife&qid=1753673114&sprefix=Spread%2Bthat%2Caps%2C405&sr=8-1&th=1
This Coffee Shop Uses Beer Taps To Dispense Cream And Milk
This Shop In Japan Has Display Boxes Of Chocolates To Show Exactly What's Inside Them
Most likely because of strict rules regarding advertising. I heard in Japan if the food product even has so much as a tiny chip that makes it look different from the packaging, the company could be fined mega yen for false advertising. Also, only 100% fruit juices are the only ones that can feature actual fruit on the packaging. If they even contain a small percentage of syrup, you'll likely find an anime orange or characters on the packaging rather than an actual picture of an orange. Can partially confirm base on shopping for certain Japanese products but still need a bit more confirmation/clarification.
This Graveyard Has Wheelbarrows You Can Borrow By Inserting A Coin, Like Carts At The Supermarket
I’m afraid to ask why anyone would need a wheelbarrow at a graveyard. DIY?
No. It's for carrying plants to the grave. Lots of people tend to the grave of a loved one.
Load More Replies...It's just so sad that they have to protect their wheelbarrows from getting stolen. Graveyards used to have them, watering cans and often spades, just next to the watering station, for everyone to use and put back. and people did because whatever else, you don't steal from a sacred place, just as you don't steal from a church.
My Local Police Department Has Somewhere To Donate Your Old Cellphone So Someone In Need Can Make A Free 911 Call
These Helpful Robots That Wander Incheon Airport, Seoul, That You Can Use To Check Flight Information
Even I can see the language button on there, and my eyesight is terrible!
Load More Replies...Hotel Shower With Hole In The Glass So You Can Turn It On Without Getting Wet
Instead of just standing outside and extending your arm? Sorry, WTF? And that hole doesn't look very big, our poor body-building friends don't deserve it? Looks more like this door's version of a door k**b.
The "Sorry, WTF" also seems a bit of a high horse. Lots of people have this issue, just because you don't doesn't mean it's useless. (or that you can be so aggressive for some reason...)
Load More Replies...My Local Park Has Braille Explaining All The Equipment, Including A Mirror
My Cousin Ran Into A Medical Droid At The Hospital. It Delivers Medicine
Because that's cheaper than employing one person who could do it (and could run, if necessary).
Because it doesn't waste doctor's/nurse's time. They don't hire people just to specifically run supplies down the hallways... especially in a hospital!
Load More Replies...This Hot Sauce Bottle Allows You To Adjust The Spice Level
This Bar In Toronto
It uses this set-up to de-mineralize tap water and re-mineralize it with different mineral levels to simulate tap water from around the world.
My Mug Has A Tea Bag Compartment
The Servers At This Restaurant Noticed I Was A Lefty, And They Laid Out A Set Of Left-Handed Silverware
For some unknown reason, I use a knife like a right-handed person when eating, but I guess we left-handed people are a little weird when it comes to holding things. I always use remote controls with my right hand and open locks with my left.
It's not just leftys who do some things backwards. I hold my cell phone in my right hand and use my left for typing, scrolling, etc, and hold a deck of cards in my right hand and pass them out with my left. I do everything else right-handed.
Load More Replies...But cutlery is designed to be neutral on right- and left-handedness? Only scissors and some can openers aren't.
I don't get how this is supposed to be left-handed. Does it really matter with these cutlery pieces if they are used in the right or the left hand? I have never heard a left-handed person complain.
It seems that this restaurant has angled forks and spoons. What makes me confused, though, is how the restaurant could assume someone who is left handed knows how to actually use cutlery left handed... most of them have been taught the right-handed way XD (in fact, it's usually the formal way to eat as well, so most people just learn the one...)
Load More Replies...My Daughter's School Uses These To Transport Babies Around The Campus
Love it, much better than the "play pen on wheels" carts that are more commonly used.
Why are babies transported around a campus? Sorry, I only went to kindergarten from age 3, we were either in our play rooms or in the garden.
Maybe it's a big school, and they have to be brought longer distances than they usually would walk (maybe going from playroom to front gate or music room etc) or they might go on tour-like trips around every so often? Seems more like toddlers than babies, tho
Load More Replies...Pet Store In My Area Uses Fake Animals In The Cages And Tanks That Are Empty
Could serve as a fun gimmick (especially for kids who like to spot the animals; when I was little, when we couldn't find one, we didn't know if it just hid really good or if there was actually nothing there, so we would be disappointed) and also tell the workers if there's stuff not already in there/what type of animal/species is supposed to go in (if they didn't have it written down for some reason). Or perhaps one of the people that work there is into 3d printing and just makes a bunch as a little bit of practice without wasting prints.
Load More Replies...Video-Call Booth In Tokyo Metro
Bike Rack At National Park
tbf, the post IS about smart solutions, not necessarily new ones
Load More Replies...I don't see a way to chain it up. Come back from your hike and just hope it is still there.
Yea, I was gonna say... even just one u-shaped bar across/next to each slot would go a long way for security!
Load More Replies...This Device That Helps You Select A Breville Coffee Machine
If You Forget To Bring Your Mukena, Just Go To The Vending Machine In The Bundaran Hi MRT Area
Tiny Wooden Blocks Used At An Indoor Playground Instead Of Sand
This has to be painful to kneel on. There is also the choking factor. This has “lawsuit “ written all over it.
France has very strict regulations about the use of sand in sandpits in Nurseries, so mine used uncooked semolina instead !
My Local Theater Has A Screening Room With A Playground In It
My Local Ice Cream Shop Has Plastic Skirts For Their Cones That Catch The Melted Ice Cream
Maybe it was one of the cream ones? nevertheless, sad UnU
Load More Replies...Maybe it was one of the cream ones? nevertheless, sad UnU
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