15+ Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: q0__0p

There are some problems that you don’t think need a solution… until there is one. These sorts of invisible issues make life a little more stressful—a little more awkward—so once someone comes up with a way to solve them, you wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” From buying avocados to baking pan libraries, there have been some ingenious fixes to problems you never knew existed.

The answers to these conundrums lie in creative thinking. Often, this involves making a small tweak to an already-existing product. To get the “perfect” brownie, for instance, one cafe placed color-coded stickers on each serving that tells you what part of the pan the sweet treat came from. That way, it’s easy to spot an edge, corner, or center piece. And for shoppers who hate to be bothered by sales people, one store also uses the colored-labels trick—by simply picking up an orange or green basket, sales people will know which shoppers want help versus those who prefer to go it alone.

Check out the solutions to these problems, below. You’ll be saying “That’s a great idea!” in no time.

This highlighter has a clear section so that you can see what you're highlighting.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: chillin_krillin

A playful picnic table that's tall enough for kids, adults, and baby.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: FatTortoise

A cafe makes their iced coffee with coffee ice cubes.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: foreveradan

An ATM that lets you pick your cash denomination.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: the_next_cheesus

This vending machine tells you exactly how cold your beverage is.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: Mommason

Here's a clever way to get your stolen pens returned.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: JustinX1015x

A “pet relief” station at the airport.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: twotea

By installing spacers between bathroom stalls, there's no awkward cracks.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: tonold

Just like a real oven, a microwave with a pull-out drawer.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: Rdubya44

Make sure you get your favorite section of brownie with this color-coded system.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: longboarder116

Need help when shopping? Grab the orange basket.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: hand_

A makeup towel that won't show all the smudges.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: DasAdam

A bread clip doubles as button repair.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: Babies4Peace

This door sign changes from “Open” to “Nope” with one quick switch.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: ChiefdaPhaser

One door has a handicap button at your feet.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: Imgur

Borrow baking pans like you would a library book.

Creative Solutions to Problems You Never Knew Existed

Photo credit: flannelpancakes

h/t: [Buzzfeed]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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