People are always trying to upgrade to the next best thing, but sometimes, even the biggest companies make the most ridiculous mistakes. These failed attempts at innovation show what happens when bold ideas move a little too fast or when they miss the mark entirely. From products that make you question who approved them to designs that solve problems no one has, the results are often more confusing than helpful.
As you go through these examples, it’s hard not to wonder how some of them made it past the planning stage. A few are amusing in hindsight, others are just plain awful, but all of them highlight that innovation doesn’t always mean improvement. Sometimes, it simply means learning what not to do next time. Let’s dive into 20 failed attempts at innovation.
1. Ladies and gentlemen, the pinnacle of human stupidity
What a massive waste of plastic.
2. “I followed this bus for four blocks to show this beautiful work of art.”
“How are you doing, sloth eyes?”
3. In this school, every hallway intersects here
At this school, it’s completely acceptable to be 20 minutes late to class.
4. His shirt was supposed to read “DOPE.”
Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone is reading it as dope, though.
5. That isn’t mold
The paper in this sliced cheese makes it look like it has mold spots. What a great way to encourage people not to buy your product.
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6. Those columns are too close for comfort
They were supposed to get 2 sets like this, but someone messed up the order.
7. Would you like your chips with or without chips?
“I’ll have chips, please, hold the chips.”
8. This map is at a coffee shop
‘Southern Ocean,” is the greatest thing I’ve seen all day.”
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9. Their security gate is just a ladder
“That’ll keep out those criminals.”
10. At least we know we can’t trust this company
The sliding door company doesn’t have its own sliding doors.
11. There’s nothing like a cup of coffee that comes with a good eye stab
We can’t deny it’s an adorable mug, though.
12. Not the carpeted bathroom
You know there’s going to be mold under that carpet.
13. I wish this weren’t real
“I’m going to let the fire consume me.”
14. One single blind
I love how they still put the pull cords on it.
15. Finally, realistic mannequins
This is weirdly unsettling.
16. When your gym tries to motivate you
I think the order should have been: “You will thank us at the third floor 3 months from now.” But I’m not sure where the “Hit yourself” comes in.
17. “This is how I broke my leg.”
Whoever built this bridge is a maniac.
18. Hood on vs. hood off
You’d better not take that hood off.
19. “Our town finally made bike lanes.”
I wonder how many accidents this has caused.
20. This one’s going to hurt
How did his parents not know this was going to happen?
Want to see more funny fails?
Check out 18 Hilarious Fails From People Who Tried DIY Haircuts, or take a look at 20 Automotive Fails That Prove Not Everyone Deserves A License. Finally, if you want to see shrinkflation fails, check out 20 Shrinkflation Fails That Are Nothing Short of Disappointing.
