"Sometimes I can't figure designers out. It's as if they flunked human anatomy."

Designers sometimes create things that seem at odds with how our bodies actually work. Think about a chair that's all edgy and artsy but totally uncomfortable to sit in for more than five minutes. It almost makes you wonder if the person who designed it ever sat down in their life.

This sentiment has been around for a while, and it probably came from someone who was frustrated with how impractical some designs can be. Maybe they were dealing with one of those “ergonomic” office chairs that make your back ache, or trying to use a bizarrely shaped kitchen gadget that’s more hassle than help. The point is, sometimes designers seem so focused on making something look cool that they forget about the human element.

Let me give you a real-world example. Have you ever walked into a modern public restroom and found one of those sleek, sensor-activated faucets? They look futuristic but half the time, you’re waving your hands around like you’re trying to conduct an invisible orchestra, just to get a trickle of water. It’s a clear case where the design prioritizes style over function. A simple, manual tap would get the job done more efficiently and with less frustration.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? If you’re in a position where you’re creating something—whether it's a product, a piece of software, or even just rearranging your living room—always keep the end-user in mind. Ask yourself, “Is this going to be practical for someone to use?” It’s not just about looking good; it’s about working well. And if you’re ever in doubt, test it out. Use the thing yourself or, even better, get someone else to use it and watch what happens.

Imagine you’re throwing a dinner party. You’ve got this gorgeous but oddly shaped wine opener that you can’t wait to show off. It looks like a piece of modern art. The night of the party, you hand it to a friend to open a bottle, and they fumble with it, struggling to figure out how it works. Your friend finally manages to open the wine, but not before breaking a sweat and almost giving up. Meanwhile, you’ve got a tried-and-true corkscrew in the drawer that would’ve done the job in seconds. This is a perfect example of design failing human anatomy—the wine opener looked amazing but was a pain to use.

In situations like these, the lesson is clear: usability beats aesthetics. Sure, it’s great if something looks good, but if it doesn’t work well, what’s the point? When you’re creating or choosing tools, furniture, technology—anything—think about the user experience first. How’s it going to interact with the human body? Is it intuitive? Comfortable? Functional?

So, next time you’re out shopping for a new gadget or piece of furniture, or even designing something yourself, keep this in mind. The best designs don’t just look good; they feel good and work well. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about impressing people with how cool something looks. It’s about making their lives easier and more comfortable.