“From Marvels to Mediocrity: The Shocking Decline of 40 Iconic Inventions You Thought You Knew!”
#22
I saw a tiktok that lamented the loss of detail in every day objects. Take metal bollards, for example. Across the UK, we still have beautifully forged metal bollards with fluted edges, crested designs and round plated tops. However, newer ones are just a galvanized steel pole.
Another somewhat outdated example from the UK are the differences between older and newer phone boxes.
Once you start seeing this loss of detail within the landscape it becomes difficult to miss.
Image credits: James-Worthington
#23
Vacuum cleaners. They have lower levels of suction compared to rhe 90s and are massively over engineered.
I got to use an old early 2000s vacuum while cleaning a church hall the other day and itâs pick up was fantastic compared to my modern Shark device.
Image credits: SojournerInThisVale
#24
Streetlamps used to give a nice warm glow before we replaced them with those ghastly white lights.
Image credits: xar-brin-0709
#25
Plastic packaging. Nobody needs blister packs and polystyrene can be replaced with the sensible use of cardboard. At one time, supermarkets used to give away paper carrier bags – now they care so much about the environment that they don’t have paper bags but will sell you a plastic carrier bag instead.
#26
Supposed fully automatic hand washing facilities in public toilets, restaurants etc.
Very rarely do they work. If youâre lucky youâll get cold water to rinse your hands then have to leave with them wet or wipe on your trousers.
Worst case you get a squirt of soap and no water that you then have to wipe off somehow. Bring back manual taps, soap and push button drier.
