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Call the aesthetics police and send a telegram to the epic fails department—we’ve got some awful design decisions to report, and we think there needs to be an official inquiry. This multi-million-member strong subreddit is devoted to showing the most awful sides of design, whether we’re talking about interiors, exteriors, or plain old products. We’ve collected some of the most egregious designs to grace the internet in recent days, so make sure your inner critic is all fired up and ready to go, cuz things are about to get real.

Bored Panda got in touch with Ariane Sherine, the new editor at These Three Rooms, the unique sister site to the Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms magazine, for a chat about good and bad design, and how to make your designs stand out. You’ll find our full interview with Ariane, who lent us her eye for aesthetics, below, so be sure to check it out while you’re upvoting the best of the worst design pics, Pandas.

When you’re done enjoying this utter (un)aesthetic madness in this list, you should check out Bored Panda’s recent articles about epic design fails here, here, and here.

#1

Stoplights In Lake Tahoe Filled With Snow Due To A Crappy Design Of Not Having The Bottom Cut Out To Prevent Snow Accumulation. It’s A World-Class Ski Area, Snow Should Be A Key Factor In All Design Decisions

Stoplights In Lake Tahoe Filled With Snow Due To A Crappy Design Of Not Having The Bottom Cut Out To Prevent Snow Accumulation. It’s A World-Class Ski Area, Snow Should Be A Key Factor In All Design Decisions

Worst_Username_Evar Report

#3

Blehhh

Blehhh

bluecat81 Report

Ariane, an editor working at These Three Rooms, was kind enough to share her thoughts about design, aesthetics, and quality with Bored Panda. Ariane believes that the designs that have the biggest impact stand out in terms of aesthetics, form, and their physical durability.

“When it comes to aesthetics, 'bad design' is a very individual thing that comes down to personal taste,” she said that our personal taste plays an important role in how we judge designs. However, we shouldn’t judge designs based on just how we feel about them. We need to take other things into account as well.

#4

Just So We're All Clear, This Man Has Cracked Open A Child And Is Now Wearing Its Insides On His Head, Correct?

Just So We're All Clear, This Man Has Cracked Open A Child And Is Now Wearing Its Insides On His Head, Correct?

MemelordGod_ Report

#5

At Least They Can't See Your Face

At Least They Can't See Your Face

ElShozaYT Report

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Design expert Ariane gave Bored Panda an example of how our personal tastes, likes, and dislikes can affect our judgment. 

“For example, I don't particularly like busy 'maximalist' designs with too many clashing prints and patterns, and I'm not keen on very dark colors, but those might be heaven for somebody else,” she said.

“It's perhaps more helpful to talk about 'bad design' as design that doesn't function as it should—for instance, a kitchen that doesn't have what's called 'good flow', where you have to walk impractical distances between complementary appliances and where the dimensions of the 'kitchen work triangle' (the distance between fridge, sink, and hob) aren't practical,” Ariane said that poor design is more related to poor functioning rather than just poor aesthetics.

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“A kitchen where there isn't enough storage, where potentially dangerous appliances aren't located safely, and where cornflakes and milk are placed at opposite ends of the room is what I'd call 'bad design,'” she told us that bad design is broader and that we should look at the overall space where certain items are located, not just the individual items in isolation.

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#10

I Think I’ve Found It, The Worst Expiration Date Ever

I Think I’ve Found It, The Worst Expiration Date Ever

RT-Garbage Report

#11

Chalk With A Popsicle Color, Shape, And Even Wood Handle. What Could Go Wrong Giving These To Kids?

Chalk With A Popsicle Color, Shape, And Even Wood Handle. What Could Go Wrong Giving These To Kids?

rtowne Report

#12

Know The Facts I Have Beautiful Teeth Too

Know The Facts I Have Beautiful Teeth Too

mosti_shosho Report

On the flip side, what we consider to be good—or even great—design is all about putting in the energy, effort, and attention where it matters. Good design takes time, especially when it comes to our homes.

“‘Good design' is where a lot of thought and effort has been put into structuring and renovating a house so it's perfect for the people living in it. It takes account of their aesthetic preferences but also focuses on the concepts I mentioned before, paying close attention to detail,” Ariane told us.

#13

The Worst Staircase I Have Ever Seen

The Worst Staircase I Have Ever Seen

Reymont Report

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

I saw less bizarre and ridiculous staircases in the Winchester Mystery House.

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

As a funeral director we have a name for this the triangle of nope

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

I see how it's problematic, but whoever was able to draft the architectural plan for this is a genius.

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

I like it. It's two separate staircases that go to different locations but are [together]. Clever!

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elcee
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

for kittens, hi-bouncy balls, and some serious slinkying

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

That's actually super ingenious and I feel bad for people that can't handle the idea

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Cottonball917
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All I see are cartoon banana peel slips on those stairs... breaking your back. 🫣😵

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

At least they're not claiming it's access approved

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

That stair has to be in violation of building codes as well as good sense.

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

Trying to actually figure out what the angles and everything are supposed to be for this is literally making my head hurt.

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

I think it's actually pretty cool. You can go down stairs, then up again to the other side of the upstairs. or to either side of the downstairs.

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

After a couple of Jack highballs - major collateral damage. In darkness - DEATH!

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

Stairway to heaven! Just in case no one went there yet. Looks lovely but...yeah

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

They have a hole of stairs in the middle of this room. Why isn't anyone talk about that

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

My brain did a double take over trying to make sense out of what I'm seeing. Like, is that in the fourth dimension or something?

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

If anybody here has a death wish, visit this house and make sure you take the stairs!

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

I wouldn't want to face these after a heavy night out, or leaving after a heavy night. Next stop A&E?

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

Actually, I think this is kinda awesome. Looks like it came from the Weasley house. The wannabe architect in me is itching to draw up some plans using this staircase design. 😁

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Sonia Archer
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the! And look how they put a large flower pot and an enormous candle on the floor, right where a cable of some sort is stretched on the floor as well. Not to mention the weird, what do you even call that? The weird banister (black metal thing at the top of the stairs). Whoever designed this house had no idea what proper design is. There is nothing where to hold on to prevent a fall, and fall you will on these stairs. Yikes!

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

Hope those people have a great homeowners policy, because eventually they are going to get sued.

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

I would just never go upstairs. I'm to clumsy for all of that nonsense. Who built them ? Mr.Magoo ?

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

M....MY....MY BRAIN HURTS!!!!!!!!!!! GAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! (Dies of brain malfunction)

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

this is probably the way id leave this earth. ya know determining that i can walk down the stairs without the light. id accomplish it with a twisted ankle, then when id turn off the lights and feel that a demons behind me and rush myself up the stairs, fall on my twisted ankle, smash my face against the steps, slide down the stairs, and the demon would take me :/

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

I would imagine my drunk ass trying to walk to bedroom , giving up and just sleeping on the stairs

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

So at no point during the process from drawing to construction did someone pause and think "wait a minute..."

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

It took me a long time to understand what I was looking at

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

I'd trip fourteen times before I got to the bottom...probably kill myself if it was dark.

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

at some point you might forget whether you're coming or going

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

Actually, I‘d love to see what the rest of the house looks like! Strange things can be very interesting sometimes - not only in architecture ;-)

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

No rails along the entire top part. What is the need for two different sets going from the top down? Also the open part by the only rails.... a skinny adult or a child could fall right through. How did this even get approved?

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George C.P.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why I love this? 🤔 Looks so strange that it's unbelievable.

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

It gives me a headache just looking at it, and it would give me an even worse headache walking -and falling- down.

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

Wait - I was going to the kitchen.Why am a I in the basement?

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

That's the Dali of staircases. It ends in a fried egg in the desert with a hummingbird,a hanger& Flavor Flav.

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

Wait! No one told me scientists found a way to take a pic of some place in your nightmare s! Am I gonna get such a device on Amazon?

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

Probably a sex-fetish for stairs. Like, boinking on the stairs.

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#14

Tactile Paving For The Visually Impaired Interrupted By Giant Bench

Tactile Paving For The Visually Impaired Interrupted By Giant Bench

chasemynose Report

#15

The Stairs In An Airbnb I Stayed In Where Every Step Is A Different Height, Width And Depth

The Stairs In An Airbnb I Stayed In Where Every Step Is A Different Height, Width And Depth

jingojangobingoblerp Report

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The editor from These Three Rooms shared what good design looks like for her. “For me, good design is where artificial lighting is used strategically, and where the amount of natural light is maximized; where a room feels airy and spacious instead of closed in.”

#16

This Is So Bad I Forgot How Giraffes Really Look

This Is So Bad I Forgot How Giraffes Really Look

crf865 Report

The design expert continued about what well-crafted spaces entail. These are designs “where the amount of walking and effort is minimized, as everything you need is to hand; where there are enough plug sockets and lights to meet the homeowner's needs; and where tables, seating, countertops, basins, etc are perfect for their height. These are classic principles that I doubt will change over time.”

#19

This Marvel In Ohio

This Marvel In Ohio

Teillu Report

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According to Ariane, if you’re decorating the interior of your home, you might want to use a limited palette. “Aesthetically, I would personally only choose two or three complementary colors and whichever metallic finish you like for a color scheme, because to me that kind of coordination is stylish and beautiful, but it really comes down to individual preferences.”

#22

The Toilet Paper Dispenser At My University - Every Roll Spins When You Spin One

The Toilet Paper Dispenser At My University - Every Roll Spins When You Spin One

InappropriateTuesday Report

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

Does your university have an engineering department? I'd like to speak to them.

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#23

Can We All Admire This Majestic Beast

Can We All Admire This Majestic Beast

Spacecowboy947 Report

#24

A DIY Shower I Saw While House Hunting

A DIY Shower I Saw While House Hunting

KarensVictim Report

Meanwhile, Tim Antoniuk, an Associate Professor of Design Studies at the University of Alberta, believes there are objectively good and bad products, but our preferences create a bit of a gray area between the two.

"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,” he told Bored Panda during an earlier interview.

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#26

Go Ahead I Dare You. Bike Lane Ends In Oncoming Traffic

Go Ahead I Dare You. Bike Lane Ends In Oncoming Traffic

TheKitdriv Report

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Kesam
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not a real bus. It's a bicycle trap that starts rolling whenever a cyclist rounds the corner. 😅

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Tim from the University of Alberta thinks that people can intuitively tell if a design is good or not. We feel it, we sense it.

"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 said, adding that for him, great design is intuitive, empathetic to the user, and emotional.

#30

Don't Give Candy To Babies Please

Don't Give Candy To Babies Please

camstarrankin Report

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

Wash your hands like you're covered in hot sauce and need to go put your contact lenses in.

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What has been the worst design that you have ever seen with your own two eyes, Pandas? Which of the terrible designs from this list are going to give you nightmares for many nights to come? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the article.

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#32

The Handle Of This Pan Is Heavier Than The Actual Pan

The Handle Of This Pan Is Heavier Than The Actual Pan

dingopringo93 Report

#33

Guys I Found An App Which Rents Ice Ships

Guys I Found An App Which Rents Ice Ships

Lonely-Series9604 Report

#34

The Letters, Mason! What Do They Mean?

The Letters, Mason! What Do They Mean?

konformista1 Report

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

Oh, I thought I knew what was the worst spelling book ever (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P_Is_for_Pterodactyl), but the one above even beats that.

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#35

Gnomes Are Symbol Of My City. It Used To Be A City Game For Tourists To Find Them All But There Are So Many Of Them It No Longer Makes Sense. City Opened Brand New Skate Park In The City. To Celebrate It They Put A Gnome There. Metal Gnome With Pointy Bits On Top Of A Ramp Right Next To A Rail

Gnomes Are Symbol Of My City. It Used To Be A City Game For Tourists To Find Them All But There Are So Many Of Them It No Longer Makes Sense. City Opened Brand New Skate Park In The City. To Celebrate It They Put A Gnome There. Metal Gnome With Pointy Bits On Top Of A Ramp Right Next To A Rail

akulowaty Report

#36

The Buttons On This TV

The Buttons On This TV

datbirbdude Report

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

Could you please turn the volume right? It's a little bit too left right now.

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#37

The Maze They Gave Us After Donating Blood Has No Escape

The Maze They Gave Us After Donating Blood Has No Escape

Im_Isaac Report

#38

Image To Advertise A Photo Booth

Image To Advertise A Photo Booth

potato1234_x Report

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

So THAT'S how you make a thumbnail for your YouTube videos!

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#40

Ah Yes My Fav Avenger The Hulk With Double Layer Teeth

Ah Yes My Fav Avenger The Hulk With Double Layer Teeth

Miserable-Scallion87 Report

#41

This Winter, You Can Set Your Feet On Fire

This Winter, You Can Set Your Feet On Fire

TehPurpleCod Report

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

When it causes an electrical fire, nobody can say they weren't warned..

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#43

This Emergency Escape Hammer Is Placed Behind A Plastic Cover Sealed With Screws. No There Is No Emergency Screwdriver Anywhere

This Emergency Escape Hammer Is Placed Behind A Plastic Cover Sealed With Screws. No There Is No Emergency Screwdriver Anywhere

hugh-__-janus Report

#44

Bus Stop Shelter

Bus Stop Shelter

Xanthon Report

#45

Hidden What?!

Hidden What?!

Villan_99 Report

#46

Please The Beans

Please The Beans

azreufadot Report

#47

This Spacious Toilet Cubical

This Spacious Toilet Cubical

NEFlamee Report

#49

This Is A Poster By A Design School

This Is A Poster By A Design School

Dofke132 Report

#50

My Tesla's Door Handles When It's Icy Outside

My Tesla's Door Handles When It's Icy Outside

Twurtul Report

Note: this post originally had 121 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.