We have come a long ways from Stone Age Man to become king of the planet. We have evolved and invented our way to the technologically advanced planet of today. Let’s take a look at 10 of the worst inventions ever.
1. The Hydrogen Blimp
Yes, hydrogen is lighter than air and yes, a blimp filled with hydrogen can become airborne and fly. And yes, hydrogen does explode when exposed to a spark or open flame. One only need remember the Hindenburg to know this was a bad idea.
2. Pay Toilets
Someone came up with the bright idea that patrons should pay to use public toilet facilities. Pay toilets became the bane of urban public toilets users; what if you didn’t have correct change or what if the door opened when your allotted time was up? This was an extremely unpopular idea that did not last long.
3. New Coca-Cola
This newer, sweeter recipe Coca-Cola only lasted 3 months on shelves. Even though blind tests showed that its taste was preferred over that of classic recipe Coke, it flopped completely on the market. It only goes to show you don’t mess with loyal consumers.
4. Agent Orange
Agent Orange was a chemical defoliant used by the American military. Blanket aerial application of some 21 million gallons of the chemical did make the enemy easier to spot and attack, but Agent Orange has left a legacy of cancer, birth defects, and more in its wake. Vietnamese and American military have both suffered the results of this deadly chemical.
5. Automated Phone Dialers
How many times have you been roused from a dead sleep by the ringing of your phone only to be greeted with an automated message urging you to support some cause. Automated phone dialers make it possible for marketers to annoy you all 24 hours of the day at little cost, or inconvenience, to them.
6. Kitty Wig
Considered by pretty much everyone to be a really dumb invention, kitty wigs have made their way around the world. Folks, cats have hair so why would you want to insult their dignity by flopping a wig on their head?
7. Inflatable Dart Board
This nifty invention allows you to stuff this portable board into a package the size of a small cup. Interestingly, the board is inflatable. More interesting yet, you do throw darts at it. It comes with a repair kit in case of misses.
8. Anti-Eating Face Mask
Desperate times require desperate measures! Are you desperate to lose weight? Try an Anti-Eating face Mask. Seriously, if you have no self control when it comes to food, wearing this mask will prevent you from ingesting food. There’s got to be a better way!
9. Curved Barrel Gun
A gun with a curved barrel is the perfect gun for shooting around corners. However, how can you tell what you are shooting at if you are not looking around the corner?
10. Toilet Roll Hat
This hat was designed to fit atop the head and hold a whole roll of toilet paper. To blow your nose you simply rolled some paper down and blew. Too bad it never caught on.
Inventions have brought us to where we are. But, for every great invention there have been hundreds (if not thousands) of not so great inventions. What do you think is the worst invention ever?
Top Photo Credit: Flesheater Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are some inventions considered the worst?
- Oh, that's a fun one! Some inventions are just plain useless, like they don't make life easier or solve any real problem. And others? Well, they actually make things worse or are just totally bonkers. It's fascinating how something can go so wrong!
- What makes an invention 'dumb'?
- You know, there's a fine line between creative and 'what were they thinking?' An invention might be called dumb if it seems pointless or just really out of touch with what people need. Like, if it makes you go, 'Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?' Then it's probably in the dumb category.
- Have any bad inventions ever become successful?
- Haha, it's wild, but yeah, some have! Sometimes an invention might seem ridiculous at first, but it catches on for some reason. It's like one person's worst idea is another's quirky must-have. Human nature is funny like that!
- Why are people so fascinated by the worst inventions?
- Isn't it just like watching a train wreck? You can't look away! I think people love a good laugh, and there's something comforting about seeing that not every idea is a winner. Plus, it makes us appreciate the good stuff a little more.
- Have you ever thought of a bad invention yourself?
- Oh, absolutely! I think we all have those moments of thinking, 'That's genius!' only to realize it might be a little out there or unnecessary. But hey, you got to dream big, right? It's all part of the fun of brainstorming and creativity!