31 Hilariously Confusing Examples of Bad Design That Had Us Scratching Our Head

Let's take a moment to talk about bathroom symbols, shall we? As someone who loves uncovering examples of bad design, I've noticed a trend—every list I make features at least one set of restroom signs that leaves everyone completely baffled. A stick figure with hands up vs. hands down? Triangles and upside-down triangles? Seriously, what are you trying to say?! Why do I have to play a guessing game with a door when I'm seconds away from disaster? It's time we unite behind universal bathroom signs, so no matter where in the world you are, you can answer nature's call without needing a decoder ring.

This list showcases some of the most hilariously confusing design choices—not just in bathrooms, but everywhere. From products that miss the mark to spaces that just don't work, these 31 examples of bad design will make you laugh, cry, and wonder, "What were they thinking?"

01
“yeah, I’ll take the someone was murdered here pattern please.”

via u/JBFRESHSKILLS
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02
Arrows or Chicken feet?

via u/otiotori
03
Curling iron.. Way too easy to grab the hot side..

via u/reddititout
04
How does this mean “Reduced Visibility”?!

via u/Isaacthepre
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05
Put the braille right next to the hot surface

via u/No-Pudding4366
06
"I'm going to steal their toilet paper"

via u/fortheloveofsass
07
But you already have an O'

via u/petkol122
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08
The brand is called "Double A" but the batteries are AAA

via u/J-A-G-S
09
Sure, makes sense

via u/PharmZerg
10
Is this a test?

via u/mistabnanas
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11
This reindeer IS the sleigh

via u/Pdeady
12
It's so good to be HMAME

via u/YouOldHorseThief
13
Why? Why would you do this?

via u/Mistic-Instinct
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14
Very human design

via u/Overt_Propaganda
15
Burned or frozen? It's your choice

via u/The_Gebbeth666
16
Obviously Green means off

via u/williamkenlon
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17
Good luck

via u/mbok_jamu
18
You know it's a bad design when you need 3 separate signs

via u/DenebianSlimeMolds
19
This bottle cannot stand on its own but will leak if left horizontal

via u/TheBrontosaurus
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20
So comfortable

via u/tehflyboy
21
Excuse me?!

via u/DoubleTastyMcBacon
22
See what a great job we did?

via u/GravitasMusic
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23
Weird looking snake

via u/YolgrimTheGamer
24
great placement of everything

via u/Michaud
25
Because everyone reads bottom to top

Also: DREEEEAAAADD INNGGG. DRRREEEEEEEAAAAAADDD NNNNNNGGGGG. DONE.

via u/mrdrm1000
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26
These kids are to young

via u/andresivich
27
This week in "Guess the correct bathroom"

via u/PeanutButterGeleia
28
opopanax?

via u/MisterHods
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29
Good luck reading the instructions

via u/kttyfrncs
30
Once you park, you can't leave

via u/ResponsibleFeeling49
31
Very practical design

via u/North_Library862