40 Hilariously Bad Design Fails That Will Make You Question Everything

The secret to a great public space is in its design. For people to visit and use these spaces often, they must be functional, accessible, user-friendly, and meet the community’s needs as they change.

But what happens when designs fail? They get shared online for everyone to judge. We’ve collected some of the worst examples here, hoping these photos remind us that we deserve better!

This hospital floor

They must have been going for candy drizzle, but this just looks like… well you know.

Well they did try

The students in this course complained about a lack of privacy, so the university decided to address the issue by installing glass doors.

Place your bets

The classroom has these floor outlets, which are basically toe stubbers 5000.

Guy who designed this must have been short

Leg space in a cricket stadium has their fans cramping up after the game.

Multiple insurance claims

There are the three steps down at the entrance to this lobby. See them?

He there friend

Public restroom stalls with viewing windows? Why? Just why??

Bathroom wall art

Well at least know one will notice the mess you leave behind.

Circus mirrors in a gym

Helps you figure out those muscular imbalances you were worried about.

Minds were not working

The school installed a new projector. Let’s nominate them for “Best engineering project of the year.”

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you

This isn’t a minimalist or avant-garde design. The water spills over the edges and onto the floor, which is why there’s a mop nearby. There isn’t even a drain pipe under the counter.

Fitting room door at the thrift store

Bro’s got to have the best poker face around if he needs to try on clothes.

Hallway lighting

Installer wasn’t getting paid enough so he finished the job after a few drinks.

Someone got fired

It will take an entire football team to run through those bars. If they’re lucky.

Padding is good

This is how kids are trained early on for professional wrestling.

Stampede moment

Positioning the emergency door button next to the children’s play area.

Best seats in the house

When you saved up for months so you could go to that one concert.

Hold on to each other

My eyes are straining trying to figure out where the stairs under the stairs are.

Evolution?

This aquatic-themed hospital couch which strangely features an underwater giraffe.

Perfectly executed

Sit back, grab some popcorn and try to enjoy the show in this classroom.

So cool

Who wouldn’t want a ceiling that appears to be covered in hair?

Got big feet?

And here are steps that are too long for one step but too short for two.

Like it’s not even there

Cyber-Greco-Roman architecture, sure to impress art snobs and the elite.

Genius here

Really helps when your washing up and brushing your hair for that next lunch date.

Need a purse

The school’s locker can’t even fit a backpack due to those shelves.

Look where you’re going

They should install hydraulically adjustable suspension on wheelchairs.

Cinematic experience

Even the trailers will have you craning your neck out of curiosity.

Practical mirrors

Lets you focus on each corner of your outfit easily.

Softball game bathroom

It’s really meant for quick pop in and out moments so you won’t miss the game.

Hold the elevator

Good luck not suffering a stroke before getting out on your floor.

Burn a few calories

This escalator requires you to still use the stairs.

Such a trippy trip

The staircase in this hotel room just drops off. Something out of Hogwarts?

This door though

Well we love the thought, but execution could have been better.

Nestling?

This is the kids’ area in a hospital lobby. So N stands for… Nugget?

Another theatrical experience

At least he got to put his feet up and relax during the film.

Thanks, school council

The school installed a new vending machine in the science building’s lobby. Seems preferable for students to have junk food rather than free water.

That school council again

The only unlocked bathroom in that school. Might be the same school with the vending machine.

Good luck washing

The toilet is so close to the stall door that you can see feet poking out underneath. Had a good laugh at that!

Keeping with the beat

This bar in rural Alberta, where the women’s bathroom is right next to the piano stage with no door. If you use the toilet, everyone in the bar will hear it!

The supermarket

Either your brain freezes, you get vertigo, or you suffer a stroke.

At a Wisconsin hotel

They probably did this on purpose to deter people from abusing the bar.

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