Throughout history, humans have experimented with many incredible and innovative inventions that have made our lives easy. From minute inventions to big inventions, they have changed our world. The change is not only attributed to the landscape or atmosphere but changes in human behavior and physical and mental growth. Where there are successful inventions, there are many inventions that are simply ridiculous.
They may be made based on the ideas of the human or for ease of the human but they are not practical to be used or lack efficiency. These peculiar inventions make us curious about the inventor’s thoughts before he invented these unnecessary devices or things that are of no use.
Let’s explore ten such inventions that have made humans curious because of their absurdity:
Table of Contents
10) The Pet Rock:
Source: Wikipedia
In the 1970s, a bizarre invention astounded all the people named The Pet Rock. This invention was an ordinary rock that was designed to be marketed as a live pet. Its creator’s name was Gary Dahl who packaged the Pet Rock in a precisely curated package that came with all the manual instructions on how to take care of and train the Pet Rock! It was an absurd idea because a Pet Rock was an ordinary rock that could not be moved or trained because it didn’t do anything! They were just lifeless objects that could be kept in their place only.
Despite this useless idea, many people were attracted to Pet Rock and consumers increased from time to time due to its remarkable marketing strategy.
9) The USB Pet Rock:
Source: getdigital
Just after the hype of The Pet Rock, a new useless invention took over the world by its absurd design which was called the USB Pet Rock. This device was added to a USB cable, allowing the rock to be plugged into electronic devices like laptops or computers. However, this rock didn’t do anything. It was of no use based on technology or software. It was just an ordinary rock that occupied the space of the USB port. It didn’t serve any practical purpose.
8) Diet Water:
Source: gfdwater
Another absurd invention was launched in 2004 by a Japanese beer company called Sapporo. They launched their new product “Diet Water”. This was very humorous and surprising for many people because water already has zero calories and the idea wasn’t anticipated with this invention. When the product faced criticism, the CEO claimed that their new product Diet Water had certain kinds of peptides that would help obese people lose their weight. The CEO’s idea might be to target obese people to buy their product to lose weight.
No doubt, this product was an absurd invention but if we think from the point of view of a marketing strategist then this was a good idea for marketing the product.
7) The DVD Rewinder:
Source: Reddit
The DVD Rewinder was another absurd product launched. Due to its eccentric and ambiguous function, many people thought of it as a humorous device. Unlike VHS Tapes, which needed timely attention for rewinding to prolong their capability to function, DVDs don’t need a rewinding system. DVDs are already digital so it’s absurd to rewind them.
According to many critics, it might be a part of the marketing strategy for inventors to relive the nostalgic experience rather than serving any necessary purpose in the world of technology.
6) The Banana Slicer:
Source: Amazon
The Banana Slicer‘s purpose can be easily understood by its name, it serves as a kitchen device or equipment to slice or cut a whole banana. To be honest, Its usefulness depends completely on the nature of humans. Bananas are already soft and easy to slice with a kitchen knife or readily available to eat easily. It is absurd to have a gadget specially crafted to use for the cutting of bananas into slices.
Some people can take it as a humorous satire or insult for the lazy people who are unable to cut it with a knife so they could use this gadget.
5) The Goldfish Walker:
Source: mirror.co.uk
The Goldfish Walker is another absurd invention. This is a water-filled transparent tank, designed for the owners to take their aquatic pets or goldfish for a walk outdoors. The idea behind this concept may be to experience aquatic pets the life out of aquamarine.
This invention is just ridiculous because fishes don’t perceive the environment like pets or humans do. They don’t have awareness of their surroundings. This invention might be curated so humans can spend more time with their aquatic pets but in practical life, it’s absurd and unnecessary.
4) The USB Humping Dog:
Source: Amazon
The USB Humping Dog is another absurd invention. It plugs into a USB port and starts simulating like a dog in a humping position. Just like The USB Pet Rock this doesn’t have any use related to the technology but only serves the purpose of entertainment or amusement. When it was released, many people including technology junkies consumed it increasing the marketing of the product which only served the purpose of humor. This absurd device shows how humorous technology can be used as toys for consumers and the new 21st generation who love creative ideas.
3) The Walking Sleeping Bag:
Source: Amazon
The Walking Sleeping Bag might be one’s favourite dream product but it lacks practicality and necessity. This unique invention serves the purpose of being able to walk with the warmth of a sleeping bag, prioritizing comfort and sleep. The inventor must have made this product to provide convenience to people but it is not possible to walk around like a normal human in this sleep bag. The mobility is limited and the product is hefty and hassle causing awkwardness to walk around.
2) The Necktie Flask:
Source: Boozingear
The Necktie Flask is another clever and absurd invention that meets with the fashion or trend. It looks like a normal necktie but consists of a small chamber that has a secret nozzle at the end, which allows the wearer to drink beverages discreetly. This might be a clever idea for parties and hangouts. However, It lacks practicality. It is inappropriate that many people use it for the consumption of alcohol discreetly without letting anyone know. This might hinder the health standards putting people at risk. Moreover, the drink has a chance to spill in the gathering making it look embarrassing around everyone.
No doubt, it is an intelligent idea but it doesn’t meet the standards of practicality and there are more disadvantages than advantages of this product.
1) The Shoe Umbrella:
Source: Reddit
The Shoe Umbrella is another absurd invention that is designed for the wearer to keep their shoes and feet dry and clean in rainy weather conditions. It is aimed to attach to the shoe and protect it from mud and puddles. It might be an innovative idea for those who are cautious about their attire but it lacks practicality. It doesn’t look appealing when the person wears it. Moreover, a person can easily use waterproof sandals or shoes in these weather or carry a hassle-free umbrella.
This trend might serve a purpose for solving even the minute or specific problem. The traditional methods are more effective than these new trending methods.
