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

Let's talk about bathroom symbols for a second, shall we? As someone who loves pointing out bad design, I've noticed a pattern—every list I make seems to feature at least one set of restroom signs that leaves people completely confused. A stick figure with a hat vs. no hat? Random geometric shapes? Abstract symbols that look more like hieroglyphics than helpful signage? Why do I have to solve a puzzle just to use the restroom? When you're in a hurry, the last thing you need is a logic test at the door.

Honestly, it's time we all agree on universal bathroom signs—something clear, obvious, and unmistakable, so no one has to hesitate in a moment of crisis.

But confusing design isn't just limited to restrooms. This list highlights some of the most hilariously terrible design choices across the board—from products that completely miss the mark to spaces that make absolutely no sense. These 31 examples will leave you laughing, cringing, and wondering, who approved this?!

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01
"One door leads in, the other to certain doom"

via u/Turk137
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02
Happy with Mother's love day

via u/Overdress_n_stress
03
Booty! 👁️👄👁️

via u/broofers
04
The pink is her tongue

via u/House0fmouseworks
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05
The design is very human

via u/Ashkoshbagosh
06
I'd rather not

via u/dogryan100
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07
Welcome to number 6... or 9

via u/MadJoeMak
08
It's called multitasking

via u/gunieapigyaya
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09
Wave to the neighbors

via u/Adventurous_Tough773
10
Team Amplify Risk Simplify

via u/Wonderful_Feeling_61
11
Thanks. I hate it

via u/chesterqw
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12
Is this art?

via u/Yonda_00 u/Yonda_00 avatar Yonda_00 u/Yonda_00 May 11, 2024 13,383 Post karma 9,609 Comment karma r/CrappyDesign achievements Top 5% Poster Picasso Rising Star Top 5% Poster, Picasso, Rising Star View your achievements What is karma? Follow Start Chat
13
I'm getting mixed signals here

via u/ShadowFigure81
14
It's very intuitive

via u/Active_Honey_700
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15
There's also a direction in which people read

via u/hex-grrrl
16
Put the baby in the sink, it's fine!

via u/Ok_Sink6064
17
Don't do it! but it's fine if you do

via u/axon-axoff
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18
Yo dog, we hear you like to power off...

via u/Windwind444
19
Do you feel Locky? Ponk?

via u/funkydonkey420
20
I feel dizzy

via u/rdvn
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21
Don't smoke and design, kids

via u/Palana

Cannabis use among high school students compared to hotdogs sales
22
The rack at 53" inches is bigger than the 64" inch women

via u/StingingGamer

BTW nice rack…
23
Can I get you some TEAEA?

via u/DootOfTheWind
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24
I love the Betch!

via u/One_Tailor_287
25
Wheelchair access designed by M.C Escher

via u/robitstudios
26
Is it good design? YE- S !

via u/Dreadful_Oven
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27
Make sure the braille is right next to the hot surface

via u/No-Pudding4366
28
umm.... what?!

via u/Isaacthepre
29
Higho society

via u/petkol122
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30
I'll take the "Something unspeakable happened here" pattern

via u/JBFRESHSKILLS
31
You know what would make a great 'X'? CHOPSTICKS!!!

via u/Majestic_Rhubarb994

Tags

design fail architecture clever design smart interesting buildings designer bad design building beauty good design graphic design beautiful

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