28 Smart Designs That Solve Problems You Didn’t Even Know You Had

Let’s face it, we’re surrounded by smart cookies. I’m not just talking about your typical book-smart brainiacs; I’m talking about those creative wizards who see the world a tad differently. They’re the ones turning “duh” moments into “aha!” moments in the world of design. You know, the kind of stuff that solves problems you didn’t even realize were bugging you until the solution is staring you right in the face.

These aren’t your grandma’s inventions (no offense, grandma!). We’re talking about cutting-edge, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that, slap-your-forehead-in-amazement kind of stuff. From gadgets that give you that lightbulb-over-the-head feeling to simple tweaks on everyday items that make you wonder how that design wasn’t the original, this list is all about celebrating those “Eureka!” moments.

1. Because hitting the sign is a whole lot cheaper for everyone

2. In Seoul, the gas pumps hang from the roof, so it doesn’t matter which side your gas cap is on

3. This metal water slide is water cooled so it doesn’t burn kids in the summer

4. This elevator has buttons you can press with your feet if your hands are full

5. This bottle that is designed to use all the liquid in it

6. The sign can move the “N” showing open or closed

7. Dentist has a ceiling “Where’s Waldo” to keep patients entertained during appointments

8. This coffee shop uses frozen coffee cubes for iced coffee

9. When your electronics know you all too well

10. This pen shows how many pages it has left in it

11. This flash drive has a capacity meter

12. Pet relief station at the airport

13. This bikers jacket has functioning signal and brake lights

14. This trash can has a bottle rack so people don’t have to dig through the garbage to find bottles and cans

15. Yearbook photo with a gap to avoid loss in binding

16. Rite-Aid has magnifiers so you can read the labels on the medicine

17. This supermarket has a place to leave stuff if you change your mind

18. This store has a winter simulator for testing out their winter clothing

19. This website tests their customers

20. To prevent frustration for everyone after you

21. Rotating benches keep the seats dry after it rains

22. This tie is made with a microfiber lining so that you can clean your phone screen with it

23. This hotel offers makeup towels that won’t show all the smudges

24. The strings on this fan show which string does what

25. This drinking fountain has a catch for dogs

26. This shower has a thermometer for the water temp

27. This notebook has a hole cut in the paper to hold a pen

28. Beijing subway allows riders to pay with plastic bottles