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Designers are supposed to be making the world easier and more enjoyable, but sometimes they do the exact opposite. Instead of removing obstacles, they create additional ones!
There can be a whole bunch of reasons for it. Maybe there was a need to reduce costs or a push to influence a certain behavior, but the bottom line is that users aren't happy.
The X account ‘Hostile Design’ highlights examples of these questionable “solutions,” showcasing the many ways objects and spaces can work against people and communities.
More info: X
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#4
quentariel 4 hours ago
This would be perfect in Finland. To be honest, if that bench continued the whole way, people would only sit on the opposite ends at the same time.
#13
David Paterson 9 hours ago (edited)
Now this I like. Different people different heights. With a disabled access one at the end. Do you think they could make short flight airplane seats like these?
#14
#16
Daisydaisy 8 hours ago
It just horrifies me that we don't want homeless people to even have a place to lie down. I find this really distressing. Why are we so cruel?
#17
Janissary35680 4 hours ago
Muratpaşa is a township in Antalya in Turkey. Very HOT and humid climate in summer and before AC became widely available even people with homes frequently slept outdoors.
#18
#20
#25
Kerry Bown 2 hours ago
I get this, they domt want people sitting on the sill and blocking the window display.
#27
Janissary35680 4 hours ago
This one has me stumped. How are those seats stable under even a normal adult body weight load?
#38
#39
#43
Arthur Waite 2 hours ago
Is this in Rainy Britain? Because it sure wouldn't be popular in Sunny Arizona.
#46
M O'Connell 3 hours ago
The ledge is so narrow that this doesn't feel hostile to anything but birds.
#51
Arthur Waite 2 hours ago
And from the size of that crack, I'd say even the plants aren't comfortable.
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What do you think ?
Malsumis 9 hours ago
these aren't designers "forgetting", it's intentional design to make it as uncomfortable as possible for (mostly) homeless people to relax or sleep or loiter in these areas
Tom Hardeveld 8 hours ago
Most of these are there for stopping homeless people to sleep or sit in places. You know, instead of helping them, make their life even more difficult...
Becky Samuel 4 hours ago
Great! A volunteer! How many hours are you putting in with local charities each week to help out? Maybe you're running a campaign to pressure your local authorities to do more. No? Oh. Just after internet validation. Here, have an imaginary pat on the back for your troubles. Feel better?
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Sarah Suelzle 4 hours ago (edited)
OK - hold on everyone - yes, a lot of these were anti homeless, discouraging loitering, etc. However, some of them, like the ones that were directly in front of businesses doors and windows...I don't blame the business owner for discouraging people living and/or sleeping in their doorway or whatever. What are they supposed to do? Just allow people to loiter/sleep/live in front of your shop entrance and window displays? The police won’t do anything and if they do, either the people come right back or are simply replace by others. I’m not going to get into a whole thing with you but I’m born and raised in Portland, Oregon and I know what I’m talking about. Don’t always be so quick to judge.
Malsumis 9 hours ago
these aren't designers "forgetting", it's intentional design to make it as uncomfortable as possible for (mostly) homeless people to relax or sleep or loiter in these areas
Tom Hardeveld 8 hours ago
Most of these are there for stopping homeless people to sleep or sit in places. You know, instead of helping them, make their life even more difficult...
Becky Samuel 4 hours ago
Great! A volunteer! How many hours are you putting in with local charities each week to help out? Maybe you're running a campaign to pressure your local authorities to do more. No? Oh. Just after internet validation. Here, have an imaginary pat on the back for your troubles. Feel better?
Load More Replies... Sarah Suelzle 4 hours ago (edited)
OK - hold on everyone - yes, a lot of these were anti homeless, discouraging loitering, etc. However, some of them, like the ones that were directly in front of businesses doors and windows...I don't blame the business owner for discouraging people living and/or sleeping in their doorway or whatever. What are they supposed to do? Just allow people to loiter/sleep/live in front of your shop entrance and window displays? The police won’t do anything and if they do, either the people come right back or are simply replace by others. I’m not going to get into a whole thing with you but I’m born and raised in Portland, Oregon and I know what I’m talking about. Don’t always be so quick to judge.
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