15 Confusing Design Decisions That Left People Puzzled
Designers, architects, and marketers all mean well—most of the time. But occasionally, something slips through the cracks, causing us to do a double take and wonder: how did that make it past the planning stage? Dive into these hilariously baffling images, and prepare for some genuine ‘what were they thinking?’ moments.
“I think my stairs fit here”
Those stairs look like they were designed by someone who wanted to make every trip down a potential adventure. Each step is its own unique puzzle. At this point, I’m just hoping there’s a prize at the bottom. Or maybe a congratulatory snack for making it down unscathed!
“This shirt.”
You’d think buying a t-shirt with a famous face on it would be pretty straightforward. But I did not expect the transformation that happened once it was on. Now it’s like wearing a slightly concerned celebrity potato—fashion risk level: expert.
“Then why’d you give this nickel to me”
So you gave me the nickel, but you’re also telling me that I should give it back to save a child’s life? That’s a guilt trip with postage paid. Honestly, I’m negotiating with a letter right now, and I didn’t have this on my bingo card.
“The clock hands don’t glow…”
The numbers glow in the dark but the hands don’t? Guess I’ll just be admiring the pretty lights rather than actually knowing what time it is. Ah yes, the Schrödinger’s timepiece—beautiful and completely indecipherable.
““Critical thinking””
‘Think outside the box’ sure takes on a literal meaning here! I’ve never seen tic tac toe cross these boundaries before. I wonder if the X’s feel liberated or if they’re just lost at this point.
“The Gaelic Athletic Association, in Ireland, show voting results like this”
Well, that’s a pretty dramatic way to show that nearly everyone voted yes. Those two ‘no’ voters must be feeling especially seen right now. Never underestimate the power of a good pie chart to make you question your life choices.
“These restoom tiles”
Those random brownish tiles look a little too suspicious for a public restroom. Was the designer aiming for an organic accent, or just chaos? I can’t decide if it’s supposed to be artistic or if someone needs to get the janitor, stat.
“I feel like this is meant to be inclusive but…”
This restroom sign is really trying to be inclusive but honestly, I’m more confused than helped. Are there dress codes for entering? Whatever the message, I think I’ll just hold it until I get home.
“No Has Bo Me Ever?”
Reading this shirt, I feel like I’m solving a riddle without any clues. Am I Wonder Woman? Is this a Zen koan? Who’s ‘Nobody Me’? I came for a funny shirt and left with an existential crisis.
“The quotation marks on this sign gives it a malevolent undertone…”
Nothing says ‘something’s off’ like quotation marks on a friendly sign. “Enjoy” your “safe” holidays doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Now I’m wondering if there’s a hidden camera show filming my questionable vacation decisions.
“New paint on the wall at my gym”
Motivational quotes on this gym wall just got complicated. Either it takes 4, 8, or 12 weeks to ‘never give up.’ Trying to read both at once is its own form of mental fitness workout.
“My hurricane grade metal roof didn’t survive Category 1 winds (Hurricane Isaias)”
So much for that hurricane grade promise—the roof decided it was too good for this house. Isaias: 1, metal roofing: 0. Guess it’s time to start a savings fund for the hurricane grade roof’s replacement.
“Men’s and Women’s bathroom”
Decorative animal heads for the men’s and women’s bathrooms—because if you don’t know where to go, just follow your spirit animal. I think? I’ll just pick the door that frightens me least and hope for the best.
“Thanks for reminding me”
Well, that is not the pep talk I needed today. Thanks for the reminder, random banner team—I feel seen in a very specific, lonely way. I hope this was a protest for punctuation. Or a really, really misunderstood art project.
“This soldering iron has a screw on the handle direct connected to the heat source. It was burning surprise to say the least.”
When your soldering iron gives you physical feedback in the form of unexpected burning, you know you’ve got a real innovation in design. Nothing like a nice zap to keep you awake during your DIY adventures.
