Online forum members have identified and nominated 18 frequently utilized pieces of equipment that require notable enhancements according to their collective consensus. These nominations reflect the user community’s shared perspective on areas where improvements are essential for the continued usability and effectiveness of these commonly used tools and devices.
Keyboards
“What you’re getting now is an inferior product for the same price because forced RGB lighting is part of what you’re paying for at any price point if you want any mechanical keyboard,” says one user.
The perceived advancements in keyboard technology often appear as mere gimmicks, failing to improve the user experience substantially. In some cases, the quality of self-built keyboards surpasses commercial options, making them preferable. Consumers may pay the same price for an inferior product, primarily because RGB lighting, which may only be essential for some, is incorporated into most mechanical keyboards across various price points, resulting in a less cost-effective option for those prioritizing performance over aesthetics.
Dentistry
“Aside from x-rays and other frills, filling cavities is done the same way as 100 years ago! DRILL, PAIN, DRILL, PAIN, PULL WITH PLIERS, PAIN!!!!” says one angry member of the discussion.
Advancements in dentistry have been relatively slow in the last few decades, particularly in creating dental impressions for appliances like night guards and Invisalign. Many patients still have to endure the uncomfortable goop and tray method, which seems unchanged from the experience of getting braces in the 1970s. Even for procedures like cavity fillings, the basic process remains similar to what it was a century ago, involving drilling and occasional discomfort, making some aspects of dental care appear less evolved and more enduring in their traditional methods.
Word Processing Software
“I haven’t seen many noteworthy things since, IDK, the 90s, maybe?” said one person.
Many agree that there haven’t been many notable developments in technology and software interfaces since the 1990s. Surprisingly, widely-used word processing programs like Microsoft Word lack format presets for academic writing styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. These styles adhere to specific rules, and attempting to implement them in Word can be a cumbersome and challenging process, with the software sometimes working against the user’s efforts to achieve the desired formatting, leaving room for improvement in streamlining this aspect of academic writing.
Bikes
One online user said, “Although there’s been lots of advancement in materials and now electric motors, the basic shape of the bicycle is unchanged from hundreds of years ago.”
The fundamental design of a push bike, also known as a bicycle, has remained surprisingly consistent over many centuries. Despite advancements in materials and the introduction of electric motors in modern bicycles, the bike’s core shape and concept have remained unchanged for a significant time. This endurance of the traditional bicycle design showcases its effectiveness and versatility as a mode of transportation and recreation, emphasizing that sometimes, the most straightforward designs stand the test of time.
Umbrellas
“The modern umbrella first went on the market 500 years ago. There have been no significant advancements in that time. The mechanism is the same now as it was then,” says one user.
The concept of the modern umbrella was introduced to the market five centuries ago, and surprisingly, there have been few significant advancements in its design since then. The fundamental mechanism remains unchanged, and the most notable development has been the shift toward using synthetic materials. Despite this shift, umbrellas continue to function in much the same way as they did 500 years ago, highlighting a relative lack of innovation in everyday items that has remained remarkably consistent over the centuries.
Airplane Technology
“Planes haven’t improved drastically in a very long time because why reinvent the wheel when you could perfect something already proven to be very safe,” comments another.
When adopting new technology, aviation tends to be cautious and deliberate. Aircraft design and technology have not seen radical changes in a long time. This approach prioritizes existing systems’ proven safety and reliability over pursuing innovation for its own sake. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the aviation industry focuses on perfecting what already works well, ensuring that safety remains the paramount concern in every advancement in aviation technology.
Lawn Mowers
“I was just thinking the other day,” one person said, adding, “I feel like lawnmower technology hasn’t changed much, if at all, since I was a kid.”
It’s interesting to ponder the evolution of lawnmower technology or, perhaps, the lack thereof. While household appliances like vacuums have progressed with the introduction of autonomous devices like Roombas, the lawnmower industry needs to catch up in innovation. Many wonder when we’ll see the emergence of relatively safe, autonomous lawnmowers that can quietly and efficiently tend to our yards without causing disturbances to the entire neighborhood, providing a potential solution to a longstanding concern.
Ultrasounds
“I want more than a greyish blob,” proclaims one user on the forum.
Many individuals agree that ultrasounds often produce images resembling low-resolution grayish blobs and should offer more detailed and advanced visuals. The desire for enhanced clarity and precision in ultrasound technology is widely acknowledged, reflecting the need for improved imaging capabilities to provide valuable information for medical professionals and expecting parents.
Microwave Ovens
“When it first came out, it was touted as the new way to cook everything from Bundt cakes to pot roast. Now, all we really use it for is to heat up leftovers,” joked one person on the forum.
Microwave ovens have seen minimal innovation over the past few decades. Despite their initial promise of revolutionizing cooking, only some new features have been added in the last 30 years. While they were once hailed as the way to cook a wide range of dishes, today, their primary role has become heating up leftovers. This lack of significant advancement in microwave technology suggests that the appliance has settled into a more specialized and limited function in modern kitchens.
Paving
One person said, “For all the tech and advancements we have made with asphalt, the best surface over time is still concrete.”
Surprisingly, paving technology has seen limited change over the years. Despite the perception of technological advancements in asphalt, concrete remains the preferred choice for long-lasting surfaces. Its enduring durability and reliability have stood the test of time, highlighting the continued significance of concrete as a preferred paving material in various applications despite the many technological innovations in the field.
Magnetic Stripes on Credit Cards
“What do you even need them for??” asked one confused person on the thread.
The magnetic stripes on credit cards, first introduced in the 1960s, are overdue for an upgrade in the world of payment technology. With the advent of more secure options like chips and contactless payments, the continued use of magnetic stripes poses security risks. Mastercard has taken the lead by announcing plans to phase out magnetic strips next year, which is expected to prompt other banks to follow suit and modernize payment methods for enhanced security and convenience.
Cords for Cell Phones & Laptops
One person on the thread explained, “Ever noticed the cord breaks by the end that plugs into phones and laptop power cords always loosen up just where the cord goes in, so you’re forced to get it fixed or lose your data?”
The design of phone and laptop’ cords has remained the same, and many users find them less than ideal. A common issue is the wear and tear at the end that plugs into phones and laptop power cords, where the connection can become loose over time. This wear and tear often necessitates repairs or the risk of data loss, highlighting a persistent challenge in cord durability and reliability that users continue to face.
Guitars
A commenter added, “I remember when I was a kid, everyone got excited for a minute when Gibson announced it was launching self-tuning robot guitar technology. Don’t know if it worked well, but [it] doesn’t seem to have caught on.”
Guitars have seen minimal evolution over the past century, maintaining their traditional design and essence. A notable attempt at innovation was made when Gibson introduced self-tuning robot guitar technology, generating momentary excitement among musicians. However, the widespread adoption of this technology remains to be determined, and its effectiveness and reception among guitarists still need to be explored. Despite occasional innovations, classical guitars’ fundamental design and appeal have endured, making them a constant in the world of music.
Bluetooth
“Bluetooth is frustratingly awful given how long it has been out,” one user added.
Many have expressed their frustrations with Bluetooth technology, especially considering how long it has been available. When it comes to Bluetooth in cars, some describe the quality of the audio as reminiscent of early 20th-century radio technology from World War I, highlighting the need for advancements and improvements in Bluetooth connectivity to meet the expectations of modern users who seek a seamless and high-quality audio experience, particularly while on the road.
Men’s Attire
Another added, “Men’s basic fashion. And I’m glad. Nothing I own gets out of fashion. Jeans and t-shirts are the same forever for men.”
Men’s essential fashion remains timeless; many find comfort in this enduring simplicity. Wardrobe staples like jeans and t-shirts can withstand ever-changing fashion trends, allowing individuals to rely on these classic pieces for extended periods without feeling outdated. The enduring appeal of these essentials provides a sense of reassurance and reliability in men’s fashion, where the simplicity of enduring styles can be appreciated for their timeless nature.
Printers
“They’re actively making them worse. 1990’s printers didn’t run out of ink until they ran out of ink,” laughs one person on the discussion forum.
There is a growing sentiment that modern printers need to be more user-friendly. In the 1990s, printers typically operated until they ran out of ink, offering a straightforward experience. Many also reminisce about the ease of “plug and play” printers from that era. In contrast, some current HP instant ink printers have faced criticism for their dependence on HP Instant Ink accounts and the challenges users encounter when trying to perform basic tasks without one, leading to a perception of reduced simplicity and convenience.
Ladders
Another added, “Advancement in the field of ladders pales compared to aerospace technology, despite having the same general goal.”
In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the variety of ladders available. While there was a slight slowdown in innovation, the past two years have witnessed the introduction of an impressive array of new ladder designs, with approximately six to ten different types emerging. This trend highlights an ongoing effort to enhance ladder safety and versatility, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences in various industries and applications.
Pipe Fitting
“I work traffic control. I asked, ‘How would you guys do this 30 years ago?’ [and they would say] ‘The exact same way,'” said one online user.
Another person has spent five years working in the field of pipe fitting, and he’s well aware of the abundance of rules and regulations. In his line of work, these regulations are considered crucial, often established through past experiences and the unfortunate lessons learned from them.
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