There are several everyday items that we could all be using a little more to our advantage. The key is learning to spot and use their special features, which can be difficult because most of them are so cleverly and seamlessly blended into the item that they go unnoticed or look like decoration. If you have ever wondered about the holes on the sides of your Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, the indentations at the bottom of wine bottles, or the miniature pockets and rivets on your jeans, for example, look no further. We’ve provided some simple explanations below. In most of these cases, we do not have to change anything that we are doing. Sometimes it makes enough of a difference to know why these features exist. In doing so, we can appreciate good design. They say that the best designs are the simplest ones and after revisiting these objects, we could not agree more.What’s the purpose of the indentation at the bottom of your daily drink of choice? It’s to relieve pressure while removing the cork. You’ll notice that champagne bottles have an even larger one.
You’ll notice a tiny hole between the lens and flash on your iPhone. It’s a microphone! But aren’t there already two others? The primary mic, the one you’re used to seeing, is used for picking up a variety of noises, including your voice, while the secondary mic picks up ambient noise. There’s a noise-canceling circuit that eliminates background noises and makes your voice sound clearer.
You’ve probably learned about this one when it went viral a few years ago but the hooks on your MacBook charger are there to help prevent you from breaking it. The next time you’re putting it away, try wrapping it like this.
Check out the blue liner. This pressure seal is softer than the plastic used for the rest of the bottle and helps ensure the freshness and carbonation of your drink.
Most women are surprised to learn that the grooves actually face the bottom. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. When they’re planted on the bottom, they stay more secure.
Chefs sometimes use the hole to hang their pots and pans (great space saving tip) but you can also use it to leave your spoon as your dish simmers, assuming that it will fit.
These bumps help keep you in line with 10-finger typing. They indicate where the index fingers should rest so you can feel for them rather than looking down, especially if you’ve got a lot to type.
How many times have you stopped at the gas station and forgotten which side you need to pump your gas? Well, this time you don’t need to get out of your car to check. Look for the arrow to find out which side the fuel hatch is on.
The next time you’re holding a ruler, look for the hole or holes along the center axis. This is so you can hang the ruler up. Some rulers have more holes so you can store them in a three-ring binder.
The smallest pocket in your jeans could barely fit your finger and that’s because it was originally meant for a pocket watch. As for the rivets, they look like pointless buttons but they’re actually there to reinforce the seams of the pockets. Pockets are vulnerable to rips so this greatly improves the item’s endurance.
According to an article published on The Independent, about 100 people die every year from choking on pen caps. You’ll notice that BIC pens have hole at the tip of their lids. This doesn’t only prevent it from leaking, it is also to comply with safety standards and reduce the “risk of children accidentally inhaling [them].”
Did you know that Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars were originally an elite basketball shoe? The holes on the sides are used for ventilation. Some folks also use it to pull the laces into a snugger fit.
You’re probably well aware of this one unless you found another method to open the tubes. When you purchase an OTC treatment, you might find a little spike beneath the lid. Flip it over and use it to puncture through the protective foil.
If you’re a Tic Tac maniac like me, you might not find any use for this but if you’ve got some etiquette, use the lid as a dispenser like this.
These little holes are for drainage and lubrication purposes. Take care of your padlocks and you won’t have to buy a new one for years.
When using measuring tape, If you don’t have a way to mark the placement of your item, you can use the serrated edge to your advantage. Just press it down and scratch it back and forth.
Sometimes manufacturers will include a sample of fabric with your item of clothing so that you can test it with different laundering techniques. If it’s a valuable piece, make sure to test it out so you don’t ruin it.
This design is simple yet so under used. Maybe you prefer to pour your drink out of a cup or feel the cool can on your lips, but next time you have a can of soda, try using the tab as a straw holder. All you have to do is pop it open and swivel the tab around and it should stay in place.
If you see a tiny hole in your window while flying, don’t panic. The hole is there to regulate the amount of pressure that passes between the inner and outer panes.
Notice how some erasers are soft and pink on one side and firm, gritty, and blue on the other? Some say that the blue is for erasing pen but that doesn’t really work. The best answer we’ve found is that it is used for darker pencil marks and papers of heavy weight and different textures (grainy art paper, for example).
