Have you ever seen a great idea and wondered โwhy donโt we have that everywhere?โ From simple tweaks that make outdoor activities more inclusive to tricks that make everything from parking correctly to driving safely easier, these ideas will have you wanting these items in your hometown.
Thereโs something to please everyone, from germophobes, pet lovers, and grocery shoppers, to people on bad dates or who want to be left along while shopping. These 55 ideas are meant to keep us safe, save us time, and even make cooking, cleaning, and riding the elevator easier.
How many do you think should be more popular and readily available?
1. Safe exchange zone
If youโve purchased something online and donโt want to give out your address (or go to a strangerโs home), this โsafe zoneโ gives people the opportunity to exchange goods out in public in order to stay safe. Itโs run by the police department and, presumably, well-lit and monitored closely.
Source:
durnJurta via reddit
2. Candle of respect
No one likes being at the vet, but itโs especially hard if youโre saying goodbye to your beloved pet. This simple candle gives other pet owners in the office the sign to be quiet and respectful so those in mourning can have some peace and respect.
Source:
trojanknight via reddit
3. Toilets for germaphobes
This public toilet in Mexico doesnโt require you to flush by hand, but instead has a foot pedal. Sometimes even the self-flusher doesnโt work so itโs nice to have an option where you donโt have to touch anything.
Source:
BradleyC5922 via reddit
4. Stay inside the lines
Do you ever wonder how people manage to park so poorly? This isnโt going to guarantee that people will have more respect for parking space, but these wall lines give drivers some idea of whether they are parking properly.
Source:
Krzyygamin via reddit
5. Stall-in-use lights
This Atlanta airport bathroom has lights over the stalls that tell you if itโs occupied. Thereโs nothing more annoying than standing in line for the bathroom and wondering if the people in front of you are really paying attention to whether or not all the stalls are in use.
Source:
katewhiteshark via reddit
6. Safe crossing for the elderly
In Singapore, elderly pedestrians can tap their identity card to get extra time (from 3-13 seconds) to get across the street. Itโs a great way to keep people safe without holding up traffic for too long.
Source:
MickyNek via reddit
7. Never get lost in the supermarket
This Swedish grocery store has a map on every cart so shoppers never have to wander around and guess which aisle theyโre looking for.
Source:
caspii2 via reddit
8. Solo shopping signal
This shop, located in Dubai, allows you to shop uninterrupted without having to chase away pushy salespeople. Just pick up the color-coded basket when you come in and design your own shopping experience.
Source:
noideawhatsupp via reddit
9. Bad date savior
If youโre on a bad date and things are getting weird, this bar allows you to extricate yourself without too much fuss by simply asking for a specific bartender.
Source:
Rachel G. via Fourquare
10. Card for independent kids
Remember the days when you could go out and play or ride your bike without helicopter parents thinking that youโre lost or neglected? This genius card allows kids to respectfully ask adults to lay off the judgement. And with a place for a phone number, if something does go wrong, it doubles as an ID card.
Source:
jordan460 via reddit
11. Save the bananas
This grocery store sells overripe bananas at a discount in bags with a banana bread recipe on the back. A great way to avoid wasting good food and get some tasty bread out of it!
Source:
WholesomeSwissCheese via reddit
12. Pharmacy vending machine
Colleges are installing CVS vending machine full of medicine and hygiene products so no one has to make a late-night run. Safe and convenient!
Source:
CommandLionInterface via reddit
13. Dual-purpose laundromat
It often feels like such a waste of time to wait around at the laundromat while your clothes wash and dry. Now you can kill two birds with one stone and work out while you wait. They arenโt always the most fun activities, but think of how accomplished youโll feel afterward!
Source:
IGiveSmallTips via reddit
14. A water fountain for all
The design of this water fountain lets the water flow down so dogs can drink from it too! Now everyone can stay hydrated while out on a walk or a day in the park.
Source:
rubenmleon via reddit
15. Domestic abuse reporting
This is a clever and discreet way for women to report abuse or trouble without having to draw attention to themselves if theyโre in the presence of their abusers.
Source:
theryanfight via reddit
16. Fence bench
This fence bends into a bench in certain places. The only downside is that thereโs water underneath, so you definitely want to make sure your phone or wallet donโt fall out of your pocket while sitting there. Still, itโs a great way to create some extra urban seating!
Source:
LLCenter via reddit
17. Car wash soap cannon
Make the car wash even more fun by getting out and playing with this soap launcher that lets you sud up your car like a game.
Source:
Micool31 via reddit
18. Toepener
Germaphobes, rejoice! This restaurant has installed a device that lets people open the door without encountering the germs on the doorknob.
Source:
happysunbear via reddit
19. No running in the hallway
If you donโt want people running down the halls, this optical illusion is one way to give them pause.
20. Accessible beach
Whether youโre in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller, the beach can be off limits to anything on wheels. But this town had the great idea of installing a mat on the beach to make it easier for everyone to access.
Source:
canadianvintage via reddit
21. Color blind viewer
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tennessee State Parks have installed viewfinders for color blind guests at five state park locations.
Source:
mildlyinteresting via reddit
22. Classroom mirror
When the teacher does a demonstration at their desk, itโs hard to see what exactly is going on. This classroom has a mirror above so all the students can see exactly whatโs happening.
Source:
AlexsDoritos via reddit
23. Shower temperature reader
Donโt you hate standing outside the shower waiting for the water to be perfect? Itโs especially problematic when youโre in a hotel and thereโs no telling how hot the water will get (or how long it will take to heat up). But this gadget allows you to see exactly what the temperature is before you step in!
Source:
mojojj31 via reddit
24. Bike stand with air pump
Not only are public bike stands a great way to keep bikes off the street and avoid them being tied to random trees, this one even has a free air pump attached so your wheels will be in top shape as youโre getting around town sustainably.
Source:
cremecitron via reddit
25. Temporary dog shelter
These stalls are available outside of a Copenhagen supermarket for anyone who needs a safe place for their dog while they shop.
Source:
Flixen01 via reddit
26. Stop lights you can actually see
These traffic lights in Ukraine make sure all drivers can see the color of the light by illuminating the the entire structure. And it looks pretty too!
Source:
reddit
27. Pedal power
Create your own energy to charge your phone with these public charging stations. In order to get your power, you need to make it yourself by getting some exercise at the same time.
Source:
youyouxue via reddit
28. Floor plan
This hotel has the fire evacuation plans at ground level so you can see them if smoke has filled the hallways and youโve had to hit the deck.
Source:
cawclot via reddit
29. Listing ingredients and uses
This soap label lists the purpose of each ingredient. What a great way to make people more knowledgable about what goes into their products. Itโs also a great way to keep companies honest about whether or not extra ingredients are really necessary.
Source:
silevram via reddit
30. Pizza menu
Did you ever order a pizza and think โis that really what I orderedโ? Well, wonder no more because this pizzeria in Prague, Czech Republic has a menu that shows you what each pizza will look like before you order it.
31. Temptation-free zone
This is the perfect solution if you have kids constantly asking for candy in line at the grocery store or simply want to avoid temptation yourself.
Source:
KrazoaSpirit via reddit
32. Nap cabins in airports
Anyone who has flown across the world AND had a long layover knows that youโll do just about anything to get some peace and quiet during your trip. Thatโs why more airports are installing mini-hotels that charge by the hour as well as these nap cabins that allow you to catch a little sleep or simply get away from the hustle and bustle of other travelers.
Source:
SchaarMax via reddit
33. Chair notch for your bag
Sometimes you donโt want to throw your bag on the floor, so you hook it onto the back of your chair only to have it end up falling anyway. These brilliant chairs have a little notch cut into the back so you donโt have to worry about your bag sliding off.
Source:
HOSSY95 via reddit
34. Inclusive fun
This playground swing allows those in wheelchairs to have some fun too. Itโs always nice when all children get to play.
Source:
Kittenblack via reddit
35. Countdown lights
These street lights in Rwanda let drivers know just how long they have to wait until the light changes. No more sitting there wondering how long youโre going to be stuck at a red light!
Source:
Xited via reddit
36. Drink test coasters
Itโs sad that we need something like this to stay safe, but being able to test your drink for drugs can help save lifes and prevent assaults. These unique coasters change color if an illicit substance is found in your drink.
Source:
Akalade via reddit
37. Wash and flush
While it may hold up the line a bit, it certainly saves space to have the sink directly above the urinal.
38. Ceiling fan ID
For some of us, it doesnโt matter how long youโve had a ceiling fan, you still pull the wrong cord when you mean to turn on the light. Hereโs a great solution that will help your guests out as well.
Source:
hammurabi1337 via reddit
39. Parking space protection
While it doesnโt exactly look easy to navigate while getting out of your car, this garage in France has soft barriers between parking spaces to stop people scratching other cars.
Source:
tomoblob via reddit
40. Rubbish exchange
Get something back for your good deeds at this beach that allows you to grab a bucket, clean up the beach, and collect a free coffee when youโre done. You can get caffeinated AND have clean surroundings. Itโs a win-win.
Source:
awkwardlondoner via reddit
41. Rubix cube for the blind
This person adapted a Rubix Cube for the blind. Weโre not sure that makes it any easier to solve, but it at least gives more people a chance to try.
Source:
Notafakeinterpreter via reddit
42. Food-friendly benches
If youโve ever tried to sit and grab a quick bite to eat on a park bench you know that itโs not the most elegant arrangement. Youโre constantly trying to cover your clothes while hunched over with your food, not to mention trying to find a way to steady your drink without spilling it. These benches in Sweden are perfect for anyone grabbing a quick bite.
Source:
iBleeedorange via reddit
43. Shoe test area
This test area is in a shoe store that sells bendy and thin shoes and allows customers to see what it would feel like to walk on different types of surfaces โ including Legos!
Source:
Fresh_Asuna via reddit
44. Bedside assistance
Donโt you hate putting your fitted sheet on halfway just to realize that youโve done it sideways? This sheet gives you a heads up about which is the short side. For those of us with king sized beds, it can often be hard to tell.
Source:
oremornayr via reddit
45. Frost strip
No one likes when their cocktail gets warm too fast and the ice starts to melt, diluting the flavor. This bar has installed an ice strip to keep things cool.
Source:
Wolfos31 via reddit
46. 3-D printed cast
This cool 3-D cast can be worn in the shower and looks pretty cool too. As the technology becomes more widely available, hopefully it will become cheaper as well.
Source:
xventriloquist via reddit
47. Cake pan check-out
Have you ever wanted to make a special cake but not invest in a cake pan youโre only going to use once? This library had the strange but pretty brilliant idea of renting out the cookware as they would a book!
Source:
flannelpancakes via reddit
48. Overlapping curtains
This hotel room curtain rod makes light-blocking curtains work so much butter. Itโs designed to eliminate the gap in the middle that lets in the early morning sliver of light.
Source:
taharoto via reddit
49. Long-distance call button
It might seem silly to put the elevator button so far from the door, but it could save you time since the doors will likely open the minute you walk up.
Source:
lukeallen1 via reddit
50. Double perforated bags
Donโt you hate getting grease or crumbs all over yourself when youโre reaching into the bottom of a chip bag for the last of your snack? I mean, you could pour them into a bowl, but this double perforated bag allows you to make a second opening farther down the bag instead.
Source:
tastydolphinbabes69 via reddit
51. Leftover box
Have you ever had leftover pizza and not had room for that whole big box in your fridge? Well, save yourself the extra wrapping and dishes if you have one of these nifty boxes that folds over to store leftovers without taking up too much space.
Source:
dark_forebodings_too via reddit
52. Tuxedo pizza box
Speaking of pizza boxes, this might not be a genius idea, but it certainly is amusing!
Source:
pwenski via reddit
53. Hexagonal graph paper
Whether or not you ever took organic chemistry, you can see why this unique paper would make your homework a lot easier and more artistic (and maybe even fun). Itโs also useful for anyone who plays board games and wants to map out their strategies.
Source:
woodruff42 via reddit
54. Kick buttons
One final shout-out to the germaphobes. This elevator has regular buttons, but if you canโt help but think about how many people have put their fingers on them before you (especially during cold and flu season), you also have the option of kicking a button near the floor to get where you need to go.
Source:
CarrollPC via reddit
55. Restaurant call button
Thereโs no substitute for good service, but when youโre not at a fancy restaurant or youโre somewhere busy, this is the next best thing. This button allows you to call over the waitstaff if you need help and even has a button that specifically alerts them that youโre ready for your check.
Source:
reddit
Weโre pretty impressed by these innovations. Which ones are your favorite?
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
