We use so many everyday objects without giving their design much thought, often missing out on some hidden features. Many items in our homes and workplaces have surprising functionalities that we overlook. Here are 18 examples of these unexpected features.
The Tiny Pocket on a Pair of Jeans
LBC states, “It’s a watch pocket. Back in the 1800s, cowboys used to wear their watches on chains and kept them in their waistcoats. To keep them from getting broken, Levis introduced this small pocket where they could keep their watch.” So, it might not have much use in modern times, but it is still perfect for storing small, precious items like jewelry and keys.
The Indent on the “F” and “J” Keyboard Keys
The raised bumps on the “F” and “J” keys on a keyboard serve a specific purpose for touch typists, who don’t look at the keyboard when typing or copywriting. The bumps act as tactile reference points, allowing typists to quickly find the ‘home row’ (the middle row of the keyboard) without looking at the keys, improving speed and accuracy.
The Hole in the Cap of a Bic Pen
The small hole in the top of a ballpoint pen isn’t a design quirk; it’s a crucial safety feature. The hole helps regulate air pressure inside the sealed pen, preventing the ink cartridge from exploding if exposed to high temperatures, like in a fire. Science Alert also says it helps keep an infant’s airway open should a pen lid ever be swallowed and become lodged in a child’s throat.
The Lines on a Tennis Ball
Fuzzy green tennis balls wouldn’t bounce nearly as well without their signature track lines, typically encompassing the sphere as a white depression. These create turbulent airflow around the ball as it spins, enhancing lift and ensuring that the trajectory of the ball is smoother and more predictable, making play less challenging and more enjoyable.
The Loops on the Back of a Trainer
Traditionally known as ‘bootstraps,’ those fabric loops on the back of your trainers are designed to help you put your shoes on, providing a bracing force against which you can slide your foot into the shoe. They also help when storing or traveling with your sneakers, making them easier to hang up or attach to a rucksack.
Notebook Margins
You’re probably so used to seeing lined paper with a margin on the left that you never stopped to wonder why it’s necessary. Although they may make masses of text less visually intimidating and easier to handle without smudging the ink, the true purpose of margins was to protect critical information from mice and rats, who used to nibble on paper edges in the past.
The Bump on the Bottom of a Soda Can
The concave bottom of a soda can isn’t a random design element. This bump serves two essential purposes. Firstly, it strengthens the can’s structural integrity, preventing it from collapsing under pressure. Secondly, it allows cans to be stacked more efficiently and safely during transportation and storage.
The V-Stitch on Jumper Necks
Those V-shaped stitches on the neckline of many jumpers aren’t just for decoration. Initially, they served a practical purpose—to absorb sweat. In the early 20th century, when athletic wear wasn’t really a ‘thing,’ these “V-necks” were a popular choice for physical activity, creating a gap that allowed better ventilation and sweat absorption, keeping the wearer more comfortable.
Envelope Openings on Baby Clothes
Those clever overlapping flaps on baby onesies and pajamas make over-the-head dressing much easier and are soft on a baby’s delicate neck, but that isn’t their primary purpose. BuzzFeed claims they’re designed for quicker, cleaner diaper changes—allowing garments to be removed over the legs and preventing soiled clothing from contacting your little one’s face.
Tiny Plastic Smartphone Antennas
Those barely-there plastic lines on the top, outside edge of your smartphone are essential antennas that help your phone connect to cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. These modern, virtually imperceptible antennas have replaced the ugly and less ergonomic ‘stuck out’ antennas of the past while also offering a stronger signal.
The Hole in a Pasta Spoon
Pasta spoons are designed to scoop up spaghetti and other pasta easily without mashing or clumping them together, but the hole in the center has an additional purpose as a kitchen aid. It is the exact size of one portion of dried spaghetti of a standard length. So, next time you cook spaghetti, use this hole to allocate the proper amount to each person eating.
Rucksack Clips with Built-in Whistles
The seemingly simple clips on some rucksacks often have a hidden feature—a built-in safety whistle. Because rucksacks are used for traveling to unknown or remote places, which can be more risky than staying at home, the designers added safety whistles to help users attract attention should they have an emergency or require assistance.
Brass Doorknobs
While the sleek shine of brass doorknobs is beautiful and luxurious, the choice of material comes from the antibacterial properties of brass. Because many (possibly unwashed) hands touch door knobs, it makes sense to make them out of a metal that isn’t naturally friendly to microbes, minimizing the risk of spreading germs and infections.
The Holes in Pan Handles
Many saucepans have a hole at the end of the handle, which has two purposes. The first is so that the pans can be hung up on hooks around the kitchen, which was very common in the past. The second function is as a rest for your kitchen utensils—try placing a sticky wooden spoon in the hole instead of laying it on your work surface. See? No mess!
The Half Belt on Military Jackets
The seemingly simple half belt found on the back of many military jackets has a hidden functionality now lost to history. Originally, this belt secured a rolled-up blanket or helped bundle up the excess material of a huge coat that also served as a blanket in cold weather. Although the use of blankets declined, the military half-belt has persisted for style reasons!
Ridged Edges on Coins
Another historically significant design is the distinctive ‘reeding’ along the edges of coins. These ridges help to prevent the edges from being easily shaved or filed down by dishonest people attempting to harvest some of the coin’s metal without reducing its value. This was important in times when coins were made from silver and gold.
The Arrow Above Your Petrol Gauge Icon
The small arrow displayed directly above the ‘petrol pump’ icon on your car’s fuel gauge icon is handy as it indicates which side of your vehicle the fuel tank is on. This is especially useful when driving new or unfamiliar cars, like a borrowed or rented vehicle. With only a quick glance, you can avoid the frustration of pulling up to the wrong pump at the petrol station.
The Drawer Below the Oven
While many people use the small drawer beneath their oven to store baking trays and other cooking tools, the primary function of this drawer is not storage. Oven designers provided this extra compartment to keep food warm without cooking it further or as a place to allow bread to rise (which requires a warm, but not hot, environment).