20 Crappy Projects Whose Designers Ought To Be Fired From Their Jobs

That slide on an elephant’s butt is not just a weird choice, it’s a full-on design crime. And once you start noticing these “what were they thinking?” moments, you can’t unsee them.

It starts with small stuff that should be easy, like an “easy open” package that still somehow fights you, or a scary menu that makes you feel like you need a map just to order food. Then it escalates, the wheelchair ramp that blocks access like it’s doing a personal vendetta, and a fountain installed in a way that turns maintenance into a nightmare.

By the time you reach the clogged carpet and the no-brainer fountain, you’re not just judging, you’re wondering who signed off on any of it.

Did the slide really have to be placed on the elephant's butt?

Reddit / unknown456

We wish you the best of luck accessing this website.

Reddit / pizzalaat

The article highlights a crucial point regarding design failures: they often arise from a significant gap between what users need and what designers presume they want. This disconnect can lead to products that are not only impractical but also aggravating. The examples provided, such as the infamous "easy open" packages, serve as a testament to this oversight. When designers fail to incorporate empathy into their design process, they risk creating items that frustrate users instead of enhancing their experiences. This lack of user-centered thinking ultimately undermines satisfaction and can tarnish a brand's reputation.

Nope!

Reddit / GoatAndYourMum

That is one scary menu.

Reddit / cbigsby

The elephant-butt slide sets the tone, because if that’s the level of decision-making, the “easy open” package is probably going to be a lie too.

Studies published in the Journal of Design Research suggest that involving users in the design process can significantly reduce the likelihood of failures.

By gathering feedback and understanding user behaviors, designers can create solutions that resonate with real-world needs.

This participatory approach not only enhances usability but also fosters a sense of ownership among users.

Good luck cleaning that carpet if that thing overflows or gets clogged.

Reddit / cbigsby

Why block access for people using wheelchairs? What's the point of the ramp, then?

Reddit / OfficialDampSquid

User-centered design is essential for creating products that succeed in the marketplace.

When designers prioritize user experience, it leads to better outcomes and increased customer satisfaction.

Whoever installed this fountain must have been on a "no-brainer" streak!

Reddit / mojavecourier

You Miami? I Miami too!

Reddit / comicfitz

Then you hit the scary menu and realize this isn’t one isolated oops, it’s a whole pattern of designs that ignore normal human behavior.

Practical recommendations for designers include conducting thorough user research, involving users in the design process, and iterating based on feedback.

Creating prototypes and testing them with real users can reveal design flaws early, allowing for adjustments before final production.

Ultimately, fostering a culture of empathy in design can lead to innovative solutions that meet user needs.

This is similar to the debate over splitting a team dinner bill after one coworker ordered expensive dishes.

We have a sneaky suspicion that this was on purpose.

Reddit / noahmilam

Oh well. Watching all the action in the games is overrated.

Reddit /rowan954

The Emotional Impact of Design

The emotional response elicited by design plays a significant role in user engagement.

If only they closed the S.

Reddit / flieckster

Don't want to smell that for sure!

Reddit / cj8tacos123

The wheelchair ramp question makes it worse, because blocking access turns “bad taste” into “why is this even allowed to exist?”

These projects truly remind us that even the most well-intentioned creations can go hilariously awry. So, as we chuckle at these design fails, let's also appreciate the ingenuity behind their unintended comedy and strive for a future where every design leaves us smiling, not scratching our heads.

And if you want to make someone chuckle, why not spread the hilarity by sharing this post with them?

Gross Cross.

Reddit / beasterne

It was supposed to be The Artsy Lifestyle, but someone had better ideas! Now it reads "Thea Rtsyli Festyle."

Reddit / Googlehai

Did you get it?

Reddit / GhostBetta

This is not that kind of place! It was supposed to read 1515.

Reddit / jordan460

Poop popsicles! Now in different flavors!

Reddit / kingtrash7

Nice work on completely missing the point of a closet!

Reddit / xEYoungx

We wonder if the driver knew this.

Reddit /Bossplot

How do you even read this?

Reddit / kanye_euwest_

Now that you think about it, it is quite a pity people shelled out money for this stuff.

But at the very least, they all gave us a reason to laugh.

Giphy

And when the fountain overflows or gets clogged, the whole mess finally clicks, somebody prioritized their idea over how people actually have to live with it.

In the realm of design, the failures highlighted in this article serve as a stark reminder of the importance of user-centric thinking. The disastrous examples of products with "easy open" packages illustrate how neglecting user needs can lead to frustration rather than convenience. It is crucial for designers to prioritize empathy in their process, ensuring that they listen to and incorporate feedback from users. Ultimately, when designers focus on the real experiences of users, they not only enhance the usability of their products but also strengthen brand loyalty and satisfaction.

Nobody wants to deal with a design that makes their life harder, just to prove it can be done.

Before you judge those “easy open” designs, read how a coworker’s dietary limits derailed meal plans.