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Design is a field that runs on creativity. But as with anything, too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing—and it turns out, you can absolutely have way too much creativity.

If you need proof, look no further than r/DesignDesign, a subreddit dedicated to what happens when designers try a little too hard and end up with something nobody can actually use. We’ve rounded up some of the funniest and worst offenders below. Scroll down and upvote the ones that left you the most baffled.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Having To Scan A Qr Code In Case Of Emergency

Red emergency evacuation instructions sign with a QR code placed next to a metal handle, showing poor design usability.

y4s4f4e Report

Final score:
45points
POST
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    #2

    What Is Even The Goal Of The Photographer Here?

    Double exposure wedding photo and sketch where designers went too far creating impossible-to-use visual illusions.

    FreddThundersen Report

    Final score:
    35points
    POST
    #3

    This Is Probably The Funniest And Weirdest Washroom Sign

    Restroom signs with confusing abstract icons making the bathroom impossible to identify, showing design gone too far.

    portal742 Report

    Final score:
    32points
    POST
    #4

    This Handrail

    Wavy purple handrail along concrete stairs showing a designer fail making the staircase impossible to use safely.

    ekkki Report

    Final score:
    32points
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    #5

    Handrail With Gaps And Sharp Edges

    Modern staircase with minimalist black railings illustrating designers going too far and making things impossible to use.

    acidiola Report

    Final score:
    29points
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    #6

    This “Dynamic” Clock

    Clock with too many numbers extending outward in a confusing design, showcasing designers going too far and impossible to use.

    LeBateleur1 Report

    Final score:
    28points
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    #7

    The Entire Hotel Room Lights Up When Someone Turns On The Bathroom Light

    Bedroom design with a bright perforated window panel shining directly on the bed disrupting sleep in a poor designer choice.

    MarchogGwyrdd Report

    Final score:
    28points
    POST
    #8

    Cliff Cup

    Coffee mug designed to feel like a rock edge, reflecting designers going too far and creating impossible-to-use items.

    snootyscoop Report

    Final score:
    28points
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    #9

    This Was The “Sink” In A Restaurant

    Granite bathroom sink with a design flaw causing water to pool on the flat surface, showcasing impossible to use design.

    VVA9999 Report

    Final score:
    27points
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    #10

    Open / Closed Door Sign

    Abstract text design with unusual typography, showcasing a creative example of designers going too far in usability.

    Red-42 Report

    Final score:
    27points
    POST
    #11

    Why Does The Logo Look Like It Belongs To A Keratin-Enriched Conditioner Bottle?

    Paris 2024 Olympic logo with stylized gold flame and Olympic rings representing a challenging designer choice.

    bubblyboiyo Report

    Final score:
    27points
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    #12

    What Is This Oddly Shaped Sink Used For?

    Kitchen countertop with a curved sink design making usability difficult, showcasing design gone too far.

    c_h_a_r_ Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    #13

    Expect To Respect

    Meme showing confusing text designs with characters, illustrating how designers went too far with impossible to use layouts.

    nico-ghost-king Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    #14

    Opaque Bottle Has Drinking Goal Marks

    Water bottle with time markers and motivational phrases, featuring a typo that makes it impossible to use effectively.

    noyza2132 Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    #15

    Sunglasses, Mask, Face Shield

    Person wearing an impossible to use rainbow reflective face shield covering the entire face, demonstrating flawed designer concept.

    Sufficient-Cress1958 Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #16

    Panthermobile

    Futuristic pink car with an unusual door design making it impossible to use comfortably and efficiently.

    StephenMcGannon Report

    Final score:
    22points
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    #17

    Rip White Shirts

    White coffee mug with a smiling face that becomes coffee stains, showcasing a design that is impossible to use.

    braveNewWorldView Report

    Final score:
    21points
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    #18

    This Whisky Glass

    Two modern designer glasses with angled bases, one tipped over, showcasing a design that makes them difficult to use.

    skan76 Report

    Final score:
    21points
    POST
    #19

    Because People Love Sitting On Bike Seats When They Don’t Have To

    Row of stools with bicycle seats and footrests under a countertop with power outlets, showing designers went too far in usability.

    DrLeisure Report

    Final score:
    21points
    POST
    #20

    This Clock When Its 12

    Minimalist wall clock design with complex geometric shapes illustrating designer creativity gone too far.

    missile-gap Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #21

    Coffee Table With Bonus Mountain Range

    Wooden coffee table with a mountain carved into the surface, showcasing designers who went too far and made things impossible to use.

    acidiola Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #22

    A Bathroom Sign My Friend Came Across

    Metal sign with fish symbols labeled W and M, an example of designers went too far and made things impossible to use.

    SrvniD Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    #23

    Fully Transparent Urinal Glass Partition. More Stupid Than Interesting Imo

    Two urinals separated by a glass panel creating an impossible to use design in a public restroom.

    wingsoverpyrrhia Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    #24

    This House, Where You Will Never See Any Sun Or Sky, Complete With Unusable Pool

    Futuristic house with impossible to use floating swimming pool design surrounded by forest and mountains.

    ruumoo Report

    Final score:
    19points
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    #25

    Square Toilet Is Really Uncomfortable

    Black toilet with a square-shaped bowl and reflective lid, an example of designers going too far and making things impossible to use.

    chillpill_23 Report

    Final score:
    19points
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    #26

    Blueberry Casserole

    Small handles on a slippery Le Creuset blueberry casserole make it a design fail that's impossible to use.

    rub-by Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    #27

    So That's The Opposite Of A Pocket Watch

    Smartwatch attached to an unusual leather hand strap, showcasing a designer product that is difficult to use.

    paulekas_ Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    #28

    Just Saw This Bench Made Of Playground Slide

    Metal bench with a sharp edge and no proper seating, an example of designers going too far in usability.

    SirCalvin Report

    Final score:
    18points
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    #29

    This Is Supposed To Be A Bathtub

    Glossy black hammock installed indoors over a decorative stone floor, showcasing designers going too far with impossible to use design.

    AStrangeHorse Report

    Final score:
    18points
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    #30

    It's Got Design In The Name!

    Sign for a design hub with a confusing and hard-to-read letter arrangement showcasing poor design choices.

    J0rgeJ0nes Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    #31

    Innovative

    Minimalist graphic design with the words think outside the box arranged in an unusual layout.

    nerooooooo Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    #32

    A Story A Is Will Deal Storr

    Book cover design with scrambled letters spelling a phrase, showcasing a designer who went too far and made it hard to use.

    tor-ak Report

    Final score:
    17points
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    #33

    Chairs In Despair

    Wooden bench with attached chair backs making it impossible to sit properly, showcasing a design gone too far.

    jibcheese Report

    Final score:
    17points
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    #34

    Why Ux Research Is Important It Really Is!!

    Man drinking from a cup shaped like a face mask, showcasing a designer fail making things impossible to use.

    samiksha_designer Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #35

    What Is Supposed To Be Good In This Design?

    Sugar packet with confusing vertical text design, an example of designers going too far and making things impossible to use.

    Red-42 Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #36

    Local Burger Place’s Graphic Menu

    Burger menu showing various creative burger designs, illustrating designers going too far and making things impossible to use.

    TheWaterUser Report

    Final score:
    16points
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    #37

    W The In R

    Black tote bag with orange handles featuring a confusing design missing letters, showcasing impossible to use designer creativity.

    giereck Report

    Final score:
    16points
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    #38

    Minimalist Nativity Sets

    Tweet showing minimalist nativity sets with simple wooden shapes, highlighting designers who went too far in impractical design.

    OrwellianWiress Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #39

    This Is A $1,000 Armchair

    Cube-shaped structure wrapped in tangled black cords, illustrating designers went too far and made things impossible to use.

    Moonwatcher-451 Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    #40

    This Keyboard With Blurry Keycaps Made To Look Like Early 3D Video Game Graphics

    Blurred keyboard with unclear key labels, showcasing a design flaw that makes the device impossible to use properly.

    glyph1234 Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
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    #41

    Floor Mat With Folding-Up Furniture

    Innovative but impractical designer workspace featuring angled tables and floor seating, highlighting design gone too far challenges.

    Fit22b Report

    Final score:
    14points
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    #42

    The Forks They Had At The Restaurant This Guy Went To

    Fork and knife combined into one utensil, showcasing a designer fail that makes it impossible to use properly.

    glemau Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #43

    The Dune Popcorn Bucket

    Impractical designed coffee cup shaped like a sandworm with popcorn boxes, showing impossible to use design elements.

    ryansc0tt Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #44

    Great Ergonomics

    Woman using awkwardly designed furniture for working and writing, showcasing designers went too far and made things impossible to use.

    OverR2b Report

    Final score:
    13points
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    #45

    Just No

    Innovative plate holder design with integrated plant pots and wastewater recycling, showcasing extreme designer creativity and impracticality.

    nokyemotted Report

    Final score:
    13points
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    #46

    No One Can See Your Cards, Including You

    Hand holding a black playing card with barely visible details, showcasing a designer fail making things impossible to use.

    Gunsh0t Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST
    #47

    This Simpsons Mug

    Hand holding an impossible to use mug featuring Homer Simpson with a donut-shaped hole in the center, showcasing flawed design.

    NeoTFG Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    #48

    Is This Too Literal?

    Packaging for plastic items on a display rack showing poor design with hooks making items impossible to use or access.

    Accurate_Koala_4698 Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    #49

    Creature Cups

    Four coffee cups with detailed sea creature shapes inside, showcasing designers gone too far making things impossible to use.

    PresentSecretary44 Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #50

    New Store At My Mall. I Have No Idea What Its Called

    Sign spelling movement with unclear lettering above a store entrance, illustrating poor design making it impossible to use or read.

    Snoo-35252 Report

    Final score:
    10points
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    #51

    I’m Bothered By Like Three Things

    Packaging label with letters shaped like animals, showing a designer choice that may be difficult to read or use.

    Aristocration Report

    Final score:
    10points
    POST
    #52

    Beer Qr Code Doesn't Work With Most Qr Scanners

    QR code shaped like a beer mug next to text, demonstrating design gone too far and impossible to use effectively.

    ransoing Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #53

    Achieve Ylur Dreams

    Billboard with impractical design where text is partially obscured by a large book graphic, illustrating designers going too far.

    spatula-tattoo Report

    Final score:
    9points
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    #54

    The Most Important Information Is Harder To Read Than The Regular Font

    Instructions about chocolate storage on a product label, showing design flaws making text hard to read clearly.

    asskkculinary Report

    Final score:
    8points
    POST
    #55

    Star War

    Bold red and black graphic design with distorted text spelling stop war, showcasing designers went too far.

    RustyShadeOfRed Report

    Final score:
    8points
    POST
    #56

    Re-Imagining The Egg Carton

    Egg carton packaging design showing impractical and impossible to use features by designers in cardboard.

    lasercat_pow Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #57

    Worst Designed Remote Ever

    Hand holding a minimalist remote control with difficult-to-use button design in a poor lighting setting.

    opinionated-dick Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #58

    Meatball Plate By Gustav Westman X IKEA

    Blue IKEA meatball plate held in hand with meatballs lined up and illustrated instruction booklets on a blue background.

    krampaus Report

    Final score:
    8points
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    #59

    "Wonderfully" Designed Staircase

    Modern staircase with impossible-to-use design featuring wooden and white geometric steps and glass panels in a living space.

    rvinenlvst Report

    Final score:
    7points
    POST
    #60

    Surely These Uncustomisable Chocolate Squares Belong Here?

    Chocolate bar with confusing size labels carved into the pieces, an example of designers going too far in usability design.

    tameyzin Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #61

    Idk If This Fits In Here But Hey

    Glass and wood side table with a Z-shaped base showcasing a designer fail making it impossible to use properly.

    balthaharis Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #62

    These Sliding Door Handles (Tilted Top = Unlocked, Straight = Locked)

    Door handles with flawed design making it impossible to use, example of designers going too far in usability.

    hecka-tea Report

    Final score:
    5points
    POST
    #63

    "Hoopla" Doughnuts Made With "Doughnut Quarters" Apparently

    Confusing donut shop menu with difficult-to-read font and unclear pricing, showing designers going too far in usability.

    kioku119 Report

    Final score:
    5points
    POST
    #64

    Found At My Doctor Today - I Think It's A Umbrella Holder

    Trash bin with a decorative metal cover that makes it impossible to use, showing design gone too far and unusable concepts.

    LivingDecent9828 Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #65

    This Hammer

    Modern hammer design with sleek black handle and unusual shape, illustrating designers going too far and making usability impossible.

    brainchipedchicken Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #66

    A Sink That... Sinks?

    Unusable bathroom sink design with angled basin and tall, narrow pedestal making it impossible to use, highlighting design fails.

    Virmire_Survivor Report

    Final score:
    4points
    POST
    #67

    New Brutalism By In Vivo

    Minimalist lighter with unconventional design making it difficult to use, an example of designers going too far in usability.

    invivo_works Report

    Final score:
    3points
    POST
    #68

    I Mean, Someone Did This On Purpose, Right?

    Outdoor staircase design gone wrong with unreachable door, an example of designers going too far and making things impossible to use.

    PelicanDesAlpes Report

    Final score:
    3points
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    #69

    Man Ray Chess Set (1926)

    Chess set with unique abstract pieces showing designers went too far making it impossible to play or recognize the game pieces.

    StephenMcGannon Report

    Final score:
    1point
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