In the daily items we use, there are tons of innovations that we have never noticed in them. From everyday gadgets to household tools, manufacturers often include clever elements of design that surprise us with their unexpected purposes.
Here are nine surprising hidden features in everyday items that will leave you amazed and wondering why you did not notice them before!
The Hole in the Handle of Pots and Pans:
Have you ever noticed a small hole at the end of the handle of your pots and pans? This handy innovation is meant for you to place your spoon to stir your porridge or oats when it boils. This makes cooking neater by preventing burnt pots and messy kitchen countertops.
The Tiny Hole Near the Camera Lens on iPhones:
If you own an iPhone, you may have noticed a minuscule hole near the camera lens. This small opening is actually a microphone designed to capture sounds coming from the direction the lens is pointing. It helps reduce background noise and ensures your videos sound clearer and more professional.
The Blue End of an Eraser:
You might have used erasers that come in pink and blue. You might have been told that the blue side erases ink, but it serves a completely different purpose. The blue side is designed for erasing pencil marks on heavier paper or cardstock, while the pink side works well on regular paper.
The Loop on the Back of Dress Shirts:
The loop found on the back of many dress shirts, commonly known as a “locker loop,” has an interesting origin. It might have stemmed from sailors who did not have closets to hang their shirts. To appeal to Ivy League students and to allow them to hang their shorts in lockers without gathering wrinkles, clothing maker GANT introduced the locker loop in the 1960s. Students used the loops to indicate their relationship status later on. Men would remove the loop when they are no longer single. Women would wear their partner’s scarf to indicate that they were attached.
The Hole in Lollipop Sticks:
Next time you enjoy a lollipop, take a closer look at the stick. Many lollipop sticks have a small hole at the end. Manufacturers included this feature to help the candy adhere better to the stick, ensuring it does not accidentally fall off.
The Arrow Next to the Fuel Gauge in Cars:
If you have ever noticed a small arrow or triangle next to the fuel pump symbol on your car’s dashboard, it is not for aesthetic purposes. There is actually no agreement amongst manufacturers which side the gas cap should be on. As such, the little arrow makes it convenient by pointing to where it is.
The Cylinder on Laptop Cables:
Laptop chargers often feature a large cylindrical component near the end of the cable. This component is a ferrite core, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference and ensures smoother power delivery to your laptop.
The Hole in Padlocks:
Next time you unlock your padlock, take a closer look at the shackle.
Many padlocks have a tiny hole at the bottom. This hole serves as a drainage outlet, preventing water from accumulating inside the lock and causing rust.
The Tic Tac Lid Design:
The lid of a Tic Tac container is not just for keeping the mints secure.
If you look closely, the lid has a small groove that allows you to dispense a single mint at a time, controlling the portion more easily.
The world is full of clever surprises concealed in the most mundane objects. The next time you encounter these objects, you will have a new appreciation for the thoughtful design behind them.
