43 Worst Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them.pdf

43 Worst Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them
TL;DR
This blog showcases 43 epic design fails that highlight the consequences of poor design
choices, from awkward typography to baffling branding mistakes. Each failure serves as a
lesson in what to avoid when creating visual content. Learn how to steer clear of these
blunders and ensure your designs effectively communicate your message without mishaps.
We’ve all seen it—whether it’s a poorly designed billboard with illegible fonts or a website
that makes our eyes hurt, bad design is everywhere. And let’s face it, it’s not just a minor
inconvenience.
Typography design fails, funny design fails, and even graphic design services that miss
the mark can make or break a brand. A 2020 Adobe survey found that 38% of users will
stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. That’s more than a
third of potential customers gone, all because of bad design!
At INKLUSIVE, we know that avoiding these pitfalls is key to creating designs that
resonate. Whether it’s ensuring crisp typography or nailing the right graphic design layout,
we are the masters of excellence. Ready to steer clear of funny typography mistakes and
avoid bad typography examples? Let INKLUSIVE be your go-to design solution, making
sure your brand stands out for all the right reasons.
This video from Ali-A features a hilarious collection of design fails that highlight just how
wrong things can go when attention to detail is lacking.
Check out the video below for a good laugh at some of the most outrageous design
mishaps:
World’s FUNNIEST Design Fails! (HOW!?)
4/15/25, 4:15 PM 43 Worst Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them
https://www.instapaper.com/read/1767935020 1/28

This video would fit perfectly after “Section 3: 43 Epic Design Fails That Made Bad
Design History” as it complements the hilarious examples of funny design fails discussed
in that section. It provides a visual and entertaining break while staying relevant to the
topic.
What Happens When Typography Goes Wrong
Typography is more than just a font selection—it’s about delivering a clear, engaging
message. When typography fails, the effects are immediate and often damaging. Let’s
break down how bad typography impacts your brand and user experience:
Confusion: A poor font selection can confuse readers, making it hard to understand
the message you’re trying to convey.
Brand Credibility Loss: According to the Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab,
46.1% of people judge a website’s credibility based on its visual design, and
typography plays a massive role in this. Worst fonts can make even the best
content look unprofessional.
Readability Issues: When fonts are too small, tightly spaced, or overly decorative,
readability plummets, leading to user frustration.
Customer Disengagement: If your typography is hard to read or visually jarring,
people will simply stop engaging with your content. In a world where attention spans
are short, this can cost you potential clients and business opportunities.
Key Examples of Typography Fails:
Illegible Fonts: Overly stylized or “artsy” fonts might look cool, but they often
compromise clarity, leaving readers confused or lost.
Poor Letter Spacing: When the kerning (the space between letters) is too tight or
too loose, it disrupts the visual flow of text and makes reading difficult.

Typography mistakes can seem small, but they make a big impact on how users perceive
your brand. Don’t let bad design stand in the way of success. At INKLUSIVE, we
specialize in creating clear, visually appealing designs that captivate audiences and avoid
common typography traps.
Whether you need help refining your brand’s typography or a complete design overhaul,
INKLUSIVE has the expertise to ensure your design communicates exactly what you
intend.
Contact INKLUSIVE today to learn more and make sure your typography is working for
you—not against you.
The Psychology Behind Design Fails
Design isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about how it makes people feel. Poor
design, including bad typography, creates negative emotional responses, which can
impact user behavior and brand loyalty. Here’s how design failures affect users
psychologically:
First Impressions Matter: According to HubSpot, 94% of first impressions are
based on design. If your design looks unprofessional or cluttered, users will form an
immediate negative opinion about your brand.
Cognitive Overload: When a design is cluttered, confusing, or poorly executed, it
overwhelms the brain. This cognitive overload causes mental fatigue, making users
more likely to leave your website or abandon your content.
Frustration and Anxiety: Bad design can trigger frustration. Imagine trying to
navigate a website where the fonts are illegible, the layout is disorganized, and the
visuals are overwhelming. Users often become stressed when they can’t easily find
what they’re looking for, and this can lead them to leave your site and never return.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, every second counts. Users make snap judgments,
and bad design can be a dealbreaker. Don’t let design failure push potential customers
away.
INKLUSIVE understands the psychology behind good design and ensures every visual
element aligns with user expectations, reducing cognitive load and creating positive first
impressions.
If you’re ready to elevate your design and deliver a seamless user experience, get in
touch with INKLUSIVE.
Let us help you avoid the pitfalls of bad design and create experiences that not only look
good but also feel great for your users.
Design with INKLUSIVE
43 Epic Design Fails That Made Bad Design History
Everyone loves a great design success story, but sometimes, it’s the epic fails that leave
the longest impression—especially when they go viral. Whether it’s a bad font choice, a
graphic gone wrong, or a funny typo, these 43 notable design disasters show how even
the tiniest mistake can snowball into infamy. Get ready to cringe, laugh, and learn from
these hilarious, and often shocking, design fails!
1. “Kids Exchange” Sign Fail
Imagine driving past a place called “Kids Exchange.” It’s meant to say “Kid’s Exchange,”
but the lack of proper spacing turned it into a nightmare for anyone concerned with child
safety. A simple fix—adding space or punctuation—could have saved this sign from
becoming one of the most notorious typography mistakes ever.

2. “STOP” Sign in Comic Sans
Stop signs are meant to demand attention and provide clear instructions. However, when
someone decided to use Comic Sans for a stop sign, the urgency was entirely lost.
Comic Sans is infamous for its playful, casual look—not the right font to command
authority.
3. The “Fail Whale” of Twitter
In the early days of Twitter, when the site would crash (which was often), users were
greeted with the now-infamous “Fail Whale”—a whale being carried by a bunch of birds.
The design was intended to be whimsical, but it quickly became a symbol of Twitter’s
inability to stay online. Sometimes, even an aesthetically pleasing graphic design can be
a failure if it highlights your weaknesses.

4. Gap’s Short-Lived Logo Redesign
In 2010, Gap decided to update its classic logo. The new design—a sans-serif font with a
small blue gradient box—was met with immediate backlash. Customers hated it so much
that Gap reverted to its original logo within just six days. This is a classic case of a brand
trying to modernize but losing sight of what made its design iconic in the first place.
5. Olympic Logo 2012: A Controversial Design
The 2012 Olympic logo, designed to be edgy and youthful, turned into a laughingstock
worldwide. Many said it looked like a jumble of shapes or even a misinterpreted swastika.
With its sharp angles and unconventional layout, it failed to connect with the public and
became one of the most controversial logos in Olympic history.

6. London Underground’s “Mind the Gap” Typo
The phrase “Mind the Gap” is iconic for London’s public transport, but during a redesign,
a typo appeared on signage that said “Mind The Cap” instead. The internet, predictably,
had a field day. This small typography failure was enough to throw commuters into
confusion and became a source of mockery for years to come.
7. “Megaflicks” Sign: It’s All About Spacing
Megaflicks was a video rental chain. Their unfortunate choice of font and lack of proper
letter spacing made it easy for passersby to read the sign as “Mega F**ks.” It’s a reminder
that a small design oversight—like ignoring kerning—can lead to huge
misunderstandings.

8. Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss Redesign
Hershey’s tried to give its iconic chocolate Kiss packaging a new look in 2014, but it
turned out to be too minimalist. Instead of enhancing brand appeal, the new design
looked more like a brown Hershey’s toilet, which left many scratching their heads—and
laughing.
9. “Starbucks Coffee” Logo with Extra Letters
In a printing error, a batch of Starbucks cups came out with the logo misspelling
“Starbucks Coffee” as “Starbucks Coffee.” While it was a minor mistake, customers
laughed it, and it serves as a reminder that even big brands can fall prey to small but
noticeable design failures.

10. A1 Steak Sauce vs. A1 Floor Cleaner
In one of the funniest product packaging fails A1 Steak Sauce was almost
indistinguishable from A1 Floor Cleaner due to identical label designs. This confusion
caused several customers to mistake one for the other—imagine cooking with floor
cleaner! A simple color differentiation could have saved the day.
11. Double-Meaning Billboard: “We Sell Chairs!”
A poorly designed billboard for a furniture store once proclaimed, “We Sell Chairs!” But
because the font was too large for the space, it cut off at an awkward place, reading, “We
Sell Hairs!” This is a classic funny example of how improper scaling and layout can
completely distort your message.

12. The Mysterious Floating Text
In a TV advertisement for a local car dealership, there was a scene showing a car driving
down the road. However, floating in the sky above was a typo in the giant text that read,
“Best Prices in Town!” Apparently, no one noticed this hilarious placement before it went
live, causing viewers to focus more on the awkward skywriting than the actual car.
13. The “Nothing Else Mattress” Fail
A mattress store ran an ad with a slogan that was supposed to say, “You’ll never need
anything else.” Unfortunately, the poor font choice made it look like “You’ll never need
anything,” leading to an unintended existential crisis for anyone reading the ad. Choose
your fonts carefully, folks!

14. McDonald’s Healthy Food Campaign Backfire
McDonald’s once ran a campaign to promote its healthy food options, but the design
team mistakenly placed a picture of a cheeseburger next to the words “Try our healthy
salads!” The visual contradiction was so blatant that it led to widespread mockery on
social media.
15. L.A. Dodgers’ “Champions of Baseball” Banner
The L.A. Dodgers were excited to celebrate their victory as champions—except someone
forgot to proofread their banner. The sign read, “Champions of Baseboll.” The typo
overshadowed their win, and photos of the embarrassing moment quickly spread online.

16. NASA’s $125 Million Metric Fail
NASA is no stranger to space innovation, but in one notorious design fail, the Mars
Climate Orbiter was destroyed because one team used metric units while another used
imperial. This $125 million mistake was a stark reminder that even the smallest design
oversight can have colossal consequences.
17. Nutella’s Brand Font Gets a Sticky Reputation
Nutella, the popular hazelnut spread, is known for its bold red-and-white logo. However,
in one promotional campaign, the brand experimented with a new font that looked too
much like Comic Sans. Fans were outraged, and Nutella quickly switched back to its
original design.

18. The Reversible Hotel Shower Signs
A hotel tried to be clever by printing reversible signs for their showers. One side said,
“Hot,” while the other said, “Cold.” Unfortunately, guests found that the words could be
accidentally flipped, leading to widespread confusion and a lot of cold showers.
19. “Best Kids Ever” Christmas Ornament
One memorable design fail involved a Christmas ornament that was supposed to read,
“Best Kids Ever.” But thanks to inappropriate font choice, pairing fonts, and cramped
spacing, it looked like “Best Kids Eveer.” It went viral, and the company had to reissue the
product after receiving complaints from parents.

20. “Fish & Chips” Neon Sign Fail
In one instance, a neon sign that was supposed to say “Fish & Chips” malfunctioned,
causing only the letters “F” and “i” to light up. It became a viral sensation on social media,
and the restaurant embraced the humor by keeping the sign as-is for a few days.
21. “Welcome” Mat with a Twist
A company producing doormats once sent out a batch where the word “Welcome” was
spelled backward. Customers who bought the mat as a joke ended up sharing pictures
online, turning the company’s embarrassing oversight into a viral moment.

22. The Laughable Lottery Ball Mix-Up
In a televised lottery drawing, the numbers on the balls were printed in such a confusing
font that viewers couldn’t tell if they were looking at 6s or 9s. The outrage led to a reprint
of the lottery balls, but not before the fiasco was shared widely online.
23. Ikea’s Questionable “Effektiv” Collection
Ikea’s Scandinavian designs are usually a hit, but when they introduced the “Effektiv”
collection, the name choice raised some eyebrows. In several languages, it sounded
suspiciously like a curse word, leading to an unintentional laugh from customers around
the globe.

24. The Pizza Hut Confusing Slogan Mishap
Pizza Hut once printed boxes with the slogan “Hot & Ready,” but the unfortunate
placement of the text near the pizza picture made it look like “Not Ready.” This small
mistake caused confusion among customers, leading many to post their bewilderment on
social media, asking if their pizzas were ready or not.
25. “Please Press Button for Fish” Crosswalk Sign
In a bizarre design fail, a crosswalk button in a coastal town read “Please Press Button
for Fish” instead of “Press Button for Crosswalk.” Though this error was likely a mix-up in
signage during installation, it turned a routine task into an unexpected punchline, with
many pedestrians hoping for a fish delivery every time they pressed the button.

26. Pepsi’s Emoji Packaging Fail
Pepsi thought they were onto something with their emoji-themed packaging, but one
emoji in particular—depicting a smiley face with its tongue sticking out—was placed near
the slogan “Say It with Pepsi.” The design led to unfortunate interpretations, with many
seeing it as a mockery rather than a fun marketing idea. This is a perfect funny example
of how unintended messaging can backfire.
27. “Barista Gives Free Coffe” Typo
In an otherwise well-crafted marketing sign outside a coffee shop, a simple typo turned
the word “Coffee” into “Coffe.” While not the worst typo in the world, it’s a reminder of how
tiny errors can undermine the professionalism of a business, and once again, social
media was quick to notice the mistake.

28. Tropicana’s Packaging Redesign Failure
Tropicana underwent a brand refresh in 2009, replacing its iconic logo and orange-with-
straw image with a generic-looking design that confused and alienated consumers. Sales
plummeted by 20% within two months, costing the company $30 million in losses [source:
NY Times]. They quickly reverted to the old packaging, but the lesson was clear:
sometimes, classic designs are best left untouched.
29. “Turn Left at Next Wrong Turn” Road Sign
Road signs are meant to guide drivers clearly, but one highway sign instructed drivers to
“Turn Left at Next Wrong Turn.” The phrasing was so baffling that it went viral online,
leaving everyone wondering whether the graphic designer was trying to play a practical
joke. Drivers needed clarity—not a cryptic puzzle—while on the road.

30. “Best Teachers Have Big Harts” Mug
In an attempt to honor teachers, a company produced mugs with the message, “The Best
Teachers Have Big Harts.” Unfortunately, the misspelling of “hearts” completely
undermined the sentiment, and what was supposed to be a heartfelt gift turned into an
embarrassing product failure.
31. The Skittles Twitter Fail
When Skittles launched a new social media campaign, they displayed user-generated
content live on their website. This seemed like a fun, interactive idea—until people started
posting inappropriate comments, which were broadcast for all to see. Skittles quickly
learned that unfiltered user input can lead to PR disasters, even when it’s done with the
best of intentions.

32. The Crocs & KFC Collaboration Disaster
Crocs teamed up with KFC to release limited-edition chicken-scented shoes. Yes, you
read that right. The shoes were designed to look like fried chicken and even came with a
“chicken” charm that smelled like the real thing. While the idea was meant to be playful,
many found the design repulsive, and the collaboration quickly became a laughingstock
online.
33. Coors Light’s Accidental Suggestion to “Drink Urine”
Coors Light once ran a campaign featuring temperature-activated cans that turned blue
when cold. However, in a poorly translated advertisement for the Mexican market, the
tagline “Turn It Blue” was mistranslated as “Drink Urine.” This translation failure became
the butt of many jokes, teaching the brand a valuable lesson in cross-language
marketing.

34. The Infamous Air Asia “Get Off in Thailand” Billboard
Air Asia ran a promotional billboard with the message “Get Off in Thailand” to attract
tourists. Unfortunately, the phrase can also carry a sexual connotation, causing quite a
stir online. Air Asia’s attempt at being fun and casual backfired, and they had to pull the
ad soon after.
35. The “Nut & Honey” Packaging Fail
A breakfast cereal brand designed a box with the tagline “Nut & Honey,” a fun pun when
spoken aloud. However, the text placement made it look like “Nut & H.” Consumers
quickly pointed out how this unintentional abbreviation took on a vulgar meaning, turning
a wholesome breakfast into a source of endless memes.

36. “No Entry” Door Design Fail
Many stores have “push” or “pull” signs on doors to help direct customers. One store,
however, designed a door with a big “No Entry” sign but included a handle, leaving
customers utterly confused about whether they were supposed to enter or not. This lack
of clarity led to hilarious encounters where people attempted to use the door the wrong
way.
37. “Lost” Cat Poster with a Dog Photo
In a classic example of not checking your work, a “Lost Cat” poster once featured a
picture of a dog instead of a cat. The oversight quickly turned the poster into a viral
sensation, with the internet wondering if the graphic designer even knew the difference
between the two animals. It’s a funny but costly mistake for anyone genuinely looking for
a lost pet.

38. Reebok’s “Cheat on Your Girlfriend” Ad
Reebok once launched an ad campaign with the tagline, “Cheat on Your Girlfriend, Not
Your Workout.” What they likely intended as an edgy and motivating line turned into a PR
nightmare, with many calling the slogan distasteful and offensive. Reebok eventually
apologized and pulled the campaign after receiving backlash.
39. The H&M “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” Scandal
H&M came under fire when they released a children’s hoodie with the slogan “Coolest
Monkey in the Jungle.” The problem? The hoodie was modeled by a young Black boy,
leading to accusations of racism. H&M quickly apologized and withdrew the product, but
the damage to their reputation lingered for months.

40. Coca-Cola’s “New Coke” Disaster
Coca-Cola’s 1985 decision to introduce “New Coke” is still considered one of the biggest
branding fails in history. Despite extensive market research, the new formula was met
with widespread public outrage, leading Coca-Cola to quickly revert to the original recipe.
Sometimes, trying to fix what isn’t broken can lead to massive brand backlash.
41. KitKat’s QR Code Misfire
KitKat introduced a clever QR code on its wrappers, allowing customers to scan and
instantly access their marketing campaigns. However, in one printing run, the QR code
was misaligned, directing users to error pages instead. KitKat missed an opportunity to
engage customers, and instead, the failure led to frustration.

42. Weight Watchers “WW” Rebrand
Weight Watchers rebranded as “WW” to focus on wellness instead of weight loss.
However, the transition confused many customers, with some associating the initials with
websites like Wikipedia or World War II. The unclear messaging and timing led to mixed
responses, showing that a simple rebrand isn’t always the solution to a company’s
problems.
43. McDonald’s “Try Our New Anus Burger” Typo
A McDonald’s sign intended to promote their new “Angus Burger” included a rather
unfortunate typo, resulting in the phrase “Try Our New Anus Burger.” The sign became a
viral sensation, and while the error was quickly fixed, it remains one of the most
memorable fast food fails in history.

How INKLUSIVE Can Help You Avoid Design Fails
At INKLUSIVE, we understand that even a small design mistake can have big
consequences, from damaging your brand’s image to losing customer trust. That’s why
we approach each design project with laser-sharp precision, ensuring that every detail is
spot-on. Our team of expert graphic designers excels in turning your ideas into visually
captivating and professional designs that align perfectly with your brand’s identity and
goals.
From typography and color schemes to logo designs, we leave nothing to chance. Our
process combines beauty with functionality, ensuring your designs not only look fantastic
but also convey your message effectively. We focus on avoiding those costly mistakes
that can impact your credibility and brand reputation.
Whether you’re launching a new campaign, refreshing your visual content, or embarking
on a complete rebrand, INKLUSIVE is your go-to partner for achieving flawless design.
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end creative services—tailored to your needs—from
concept to final execution. You can rest assured knowing that your designs will stand out
for all the right reasons.
Packages & Pricing
We also understand that every business has different needs, which is why we’ve
developed flexible pricing to suit you:
INKLUSIVE Starter Pack: For just $199, you get a 5-hour design package perfect for
small, one-time projects or quick fixes. This limited-time offer is a great way to experience
our design expertise without long-term commitments.
Looking for ongoing support? Check out our other subscription packages, designed to
provide you with continuous creative power for all your design projects.
Don’t risk design fails—partner with INKLUSIVE today and let us help you deliver top-tier,
mistake-free designs. Ready to elevate your brand? Contact us now and start creating
with confidence!
Flawless Design Starts with INKLUSIVE
Avoid costly design mistakes with expert help. Try our $199 Starter Pack today!
Get Started Today!

Final Thoughts
Design is a crucial part of your brand’s success, and as we’ve seen from some
memorable fails, even the smallest mistake can have a huge impact. Partnering with the
right design agency helps ensure that your brand communicates effectively, looks
polished, and stays far away from embarrassing mistakes.
Choosing professional graphic design services like INKLUSIVE means choosing
precision, creativity, and reliability. Don’t let design fail to define your brand—work with
experts who care about every detail.
Get started with INKLUSIVE today and let us help you build a brand that shines.
FAQs
What are some common typography design failures?
It typically includes bad font choices, issues in pairing fonts, poor kerning (letter spacing),
and improper font sizes. These mistakes can make text difficult to read and damage the
overall aesthetic of your design. Such typography issues can confuse users, decrease
engagement, and harm brand credibility.
Can funny design fails impact a brand’s reputation?
Yes, funny design fails may go viral and bring attention to your brand, but often for the
wrong reasons. While they may generate some laughs, they usually harm the brand’s
professionalism and make customers question the reliability of its products or services.
How does graphic design fail to affect customer engagement?
Graphic design fails, such as cluttered layouts, mismatched colors, or poorly chosen
images, can lead to confusion and frustration. Bad design reduces the user’s ability to
engage with your content effectively, which can result in a loss of customers and missed
business opportunities.

Why is choosing the right graphic design services important?
Selecting professional graphic design services ensures that your visuals are both
appealing and functional. A skilled design team avoids common graphic design fails,
producing high-quality work that enhances user experience, boosts engagement, and
maintains brand consistency.
What are some bad typography examples I should avoid?
These examples include using overly decorative fonts for body text, poor contrast
between text and background, and inconsistent font sizes. These issues make reading
difficult and create a negative user experience, ultimately reducing the effectiveness of
your design.
How can funny typography mistakes happen in professional design?
Funny typography mistakes often occur when designers don’t pay close attention to letter
spacing (kerning), pairing font, or readability. These errors can unintentionally change the
meaning of the text or make it difficult for readers to understand the message, leading to
viral fails.
How can I avoid graphic design fails and funny design fails in my projects?
To avoid graphic design failure, invest in professional graphic design services. Working
with a skilled agency ensures that your designs are polished and effective. A professional
team will consider typography, color balance, layout, and user experience to create
visually appealing and functional designs.

43 Worst Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them.pdf

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