Many of the items we use every day are designed with more thought and purpose than we realize. From the shape of a screwdriver handle to the positioning of a fuel gauge arrow, subtle design elements often go unnoticed, yet they serve important functions that make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. Some of these features are rooted in history, carried over from older designs, while others have been implemented as safety measures or practical innovations.
These small but clever details are often overlooked simply because they blend seamlessly into our daily routines. We buckle our seatbelts without noticing the tiny button that keeps the buckle in place. We carry jeans with rivets and extra pockets without realizing their historical significance. Even something as simple as a condiment bottle has been engineered to dispense its contents more effectively if you know the right way to use it.
Hidden Purposes of The Objects
Understanding the hidden purposes of these objects not only makes them more interesting but can also help us use them more efficiently. Some features, like the antimicrobial properties of brass doorknobs or the safety hole in pen caps, serve critical health and safety functions. Others, like the hole in a pasta spoon or the extra eyelet on sneakers, provide convenience and improve usability. These design choices, whether subtle or obvious, show how much thought goes into even the most ordinary products.
In this article, we’ll uncover 24 surprising facts about common objects and their hidden features. From household tools to everyday clothing, these small but purposeful details prove that good design is often invisible—until you know what to look for.
1. Germ-Fighting Doorknobs
Doorknobs are among the most frequently touched surfaces, making them prime spots for bacteria and germ transmission. However, you might not realize that some doorknobs are specifically designed to reduce contamination. Many are made from brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, which has natural antimicrobial properties. Scientific studies have shown that brass surfaces kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi over time, often within hours. This self-sanitizing effect is due to a process called the oligodynamic effect, where metal ions disrupt the cell membranes of microbes, rendering them inactive. That’s why you’ll often find brass doorknobs in older buildings, hospitals, and public places where hygiene is a priority. So next time you touch a brass doorknob, know that it’s quietly working to keep you safe from germs.
2. The Hidden Purpose of the Small Pocket
That tiny pocket inside the front pocket of your jeans often seems too small to be useful, but it has a historical purpose. It was originally designed in the late 1800s as a place to store pocket watches. Back then, cowboys, railroad workers, and miners relied on pocket watches to keep track of time, and Levi’s introduced this extra pocket in 1901 as a practical solution. Although pocket watches have largely disappeared, this small pocket remains a staple in modern jeans, kept for tradition rather than function. Nowadays, people use it to store small but essential items like coins, USB drives, rings, or even folded-up notes. Some also use it to keep items secure from falling out of larger pockets. Even though its original use has faded, this small detail remains a part of denim fashion.
3. Why Jeans Have Rivets
The tiny metal rivets on the corners of jean pockets and seams may seem like just a decorative design choice, but they serve an important structural purpose. In the 1870s, Jacob Davis, a tailor, noticed that laborers’ jeans often tore at stress points due to heavy use. He came up with the idea of reinforcing these areas with metal rivets and partnered with Levi Strauss to patent the design. These rivets are strategically placed at spots that experience the most tension, such as pocket corners and along seams. This reinforcement prevents the fabric from ripping and extends the durability of the jeans. Thanks to this innovation, jeans became the go-to workwear for miners, cowboys, and factory workers, and the feature remains essential in denim design today.
4. The Mystery Button on Seatbelts
If you’ve ever noticed a small, round button on your car’s seatbelt near the buckle, you might have wondered about its purpose. This button is not a decoration but a practical feature designed to stop the buckle from sliding down too far when the seatbelt is not in use. Without it, the metal latch might slip down to the bottom, forcing you to fumble around to find it every time you get into the car. This small yet effective design element makes fastening your seatbelt quicker and more convenient. It ensures that the buckle is always within easy reach, reducing the time spent adjusting before you drive. While it’s a minor feature, it significantly improves ease of use and efficiency in a simple yet effective way.
5. The Fuel Gauge Arrow Hack
Have you ever driven an unfamiliar car—maybe a rental or a friend’s vehicle—and pulled up to a gas station only to realize you don’t know which side the fuel cap is on? Instead of stepping out to check, a simple glance at your dashboard provides the answer. Most modern cars have a small arrow next to the fuel gauge that points to the side of the vehicle where the gas cap is located. Some older models go a step further by placing the fuel pump icon on the same side as the fuel cap. This tiny but incredibly helpful detail prevents confusion and saves time when refueling. It’s especially useful when driving different cars frequently, whether for work or travel.
6. The Extra Eyelet in Shoes
If you’ve ever owned hiking boots, running shoes, or even some sneakers, you may have noticed an extra eyelet at the top that often goes unused. This additional hole isn’t just for decoration—it provides an extra level of support and stability for your feet. By threading your laces through this hole in a technique called a “heel lock” or “lace lock,” you create a tighter fit around your ankle. This reduces foot movement inside the shoe, which helps prevent blisters and improves comfort during long walks or runs. It’s particularly useful for hikers, runners, and people who wear work boots all day. If you often experience heel slippage, using this extra eyelet might be a game-changer.
7. Preventing Blisters with Antiperspirant
Blisters are a common issue for people who walk or run long distances, especially in new shoes. Friction and moisture build-up are the main culprits, but a simple solution lies in an everyday toiletry item—antiperspirant. Applying a thin layer of clear, unscented antiperspirant to your feet before putting on socks can help reduce sweat and friction. The active ingredients in antiperspirants, like aluminum compounds, temporarily block sweat glands, keeping your feet drier for longer. Less moisture means less rubbing and fewer blisters. This trick is especially useful for athletes, hikers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.
8. The True Function of the Oven Drawer
Many ovens have a drawer beneath them, and most people use it for storing baking sheets, pots, or pans. However, in many models, this compartment serves a completely different function—it’s actually a warming drawer. Designed to keep cooked food warm until it’s ready to be served, this space is particularly useful for large meals or when preparing multiple dishes at once. The warming drawer ensures that food stays at an optimal serving temperature without overcooking. While not all ovens have this feature, it’s worth checking your model’s manual to see if yours does. If so, you may want to rethink how you use that space.
9. Why Padlocks Have a Small Hole
If you’ve ever looked closely at the bottom of a padlock, you may have noticed a tiny hole next to the keyhole. This small opening serves two important purposes: drainage and maintenance. First, it allows water to drain out, preventing rust and corrosion from forming inside the lock. This is particularly useful for outdoor locks exposed to rain or humidity. Second, the hole provides a way to lubricate the lock mechanism with oil, ensuring it remains functional over time. A few drops of lubricant through this hole can help a stiff or frozen padlock work smoothly again.
10. The Keyhole in Elevator Doors
That small, barely noticeable hole in elevator doors isn’t there for decoration or ventilation—it’s an emergency access keyhole. In case an elevator malfunctions or needs maintenance, authorized personnel can use this keyhole to manually open the doors and access the cabin. This feature is crucial for emergency responders, as it allows them to quickly reach trapped passengers if the elevator becomes stuck. While it may seem insignificant, this small detail plays a big role in elevator safety and maintenance.
11. The Right Way to Tap Condiment Bottles
Struggling to get ketchup or mustard out of a glass bottle? Many people shake or pound on the bottom, but there’s actually an easier way to make the sauce flow smoothly. Some condiment bottles, like the classic Heinz ketchup glass bottle, have a specific “sweet spot” for tapping. On Heinz bottles, this spot is marked with the number “57” near the neck. Instead of slapping the bottom of the bottle, lightly tapping this designated area helps the ketchup slide out more evenly. This trick works because the ketchup inside the bottle is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it behaves differently under force. Hitting the right spot reduces its viscosity, making it pour out more easily. So next time you’re frustrated with a ketchup bottle, give this method a try instead of shaking it aggressively.
12. Wooden Coat Hangers Do More Than Hold Clothes
Wooden hangers may seem like a stylish upgrade from plastic or wire versions, but they serve a hidden purpose beyond aesthetics. Many high-quality wooden hangers are made from cedar, a type of wood with natural insect-repelling properties. Cedar wood releases oils that help deter moths and other pests from damaging delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere. Additionally, cedar hangers absorb moisture, reducing the risk of mildew and odors in your closet. This makes them an excellent choice for storing expensive or seasonal clothing. Over time, the scent may fade, but a quick sanding can refresh their effectiveness, keeping your wardrobe protected.
13. The Bumps on F and J Keys
If you’ve ever used a keyboard, you might have noticed the small raised bumps on the F and J keys. These bumps aren’t there by accident—they’re crucial for touch typing. Most keyboards follow the QWERTY layout, and F and J are the home position keys for your index fingers when typing. The raised bumps allow typists to position their hands correctly without looking at the keyboard. This helps improve typing speed and accuracy, making it easier to type efficiently over time. If you’ve never paid attention to these small ridges before, try resting your index fingers on them. You’ll realize how intuitive they are for finding your way around the keyboard without needing to glance down.
14. The Little Hole in Plane Windows
That tiny hole near the bottom of airplane windows is far from a manufacturing defect—it plays a critical role in safety. Airplane windows consist of multiple layers of acrylic, and the small hole helps regulate pressure between the layers. As the plane ascends to high altitudes, the cabin is pressurized to keep passengers comfortable, while the outside air pressure remains extremely low. This small opening ensures that pressure is distributed evenly, reducing the risk of the window cracking under stress. Additionally, the hole helps prevent condensation from forming between the layers, keeping the window clear for passengers to enjoy the view. Without it, you’d likely see fogging or frost build-up, obstructing visibility.
15. Nintendo Switch Cartridges Taste Awful for a Reason
If you’ve ever licked a Nintendo Switch cartridge (or know someone who has), you probably discovered an intensely bitter taste. This isn’t a manufacturing mistake—Nintendo intentionally coats their game cartridges with a substance called denatonium benzoate. Denatonium benzoate is one of the most bitter-tasting chemicals known to humans. It’s added to discourage young children (or pets) from putting the small cartridges in their mouths and accidentally swallowing them. The coating is harmless but effective—once you taste it, you won’t want to put the cartridge anywhere near your tongue again.
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16. Expiry Indicators on Skin Care Products
Many skin care and cosmetic products feature a small open-jar symbol on their packaging, accompanied by a number followed by the letter “M” (e.g., 6M, 12M, 24M). This number represents how many months the product remains safe to use after opening. Unlike food products, cosmetics don’t always have a strict expiration date, but they can lose effectiveness or become a breeding ground for bacteria over time. Mascara, for example, should typically be replaced every three to six months, while creams and lotions might last up to two years. Paying attention to these indicators ensures that you’re using products at their peak effectiveness while avoiding potential skin irritations or infections.
17. The Hidden Safety Feature of Pen Lids
The small hole at the top of many pen caps serves a critical safety function. If a pen cap is accidentally swallowed—especially by a child—the hole allows air to pass through, preventing complete airway obstruction. This design was introduced after multiple choking incidents were reported. The hole may seem insignificant, but it can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. It’s a simple yet life-saving feature that many people overlook.
18. The Soda Can Tab’s Clever Design
The metal tab on a soda can does more than just help you open it. If you rotate the tab after opening the can, you’ll notice that the hole in the middle is perfectly shaped to hold a straw in place. This design prevents the straw from floating up or moving around while drinking. Although it’s a small convenience, it makes sipping from a can much easier—especially for those who prefer using a straw over drinking directly from the can.
19. Why New Clothes Come with Extra Fabric
Most new clothing items come with a small packet containing extra buttons and a tiny fabric swatch. While many assume this fabric is meant for patching holes, its actual purpose is for testing detergents and wash cycles. By using the fabric swatch, you can see how a specific detergent, stain remover, or ironing technique affects the material before washing the entire garment. This prevents potential damage, fading, or shrinkage, ensuring your clothes last longer.
20. The Secret Behind the Hole in Spaghetti Spoons
That hole in the center of your spaghetti spoon isn’t just for draining water—it also serves as a built-in portion guide. By filling the hole with dry spaghetti, you get the perfect amount for a single serving. This helps prevent overcooking or wasting pasta, making meal prep easier. Next time you’re cooking spaghetti, use the spoon to measure before dropping the pasta into boiling water.
21. Silica Gel Packets Have a Purpose
Those small silica gel packets found in shoe boxes, electronics packaging, and bags aren’t just filler—they help absorb moisture and prevent mold. Silica gel is a desiccant, meaning it pulls water from the air. Instead of throwing them away, you can reuse them to keep gym bags, toolboxes, or even wet electronic devices dry. If your phone ever gets wet, placing it in a sealed container with silica gel packets can help draw out moisture faster than using rice.
22. How Rearview Mirrors Reduce Headlight Glare
Many rearview mirrors have a small tab at the bottom that allows them to tilt. This feature is designed to reduce glare from headlights behind you during night driving. By flipping the tab, the mirror adjusts to a dimmed mode, making bright lights less blinding while still allowing you to see what’s behind you. This simple adjustment improves visibility and reduces eye strain during nighttime commutes.
23. The Hidden Function of Screwdriver Handles
Screwdrivers are typically designed with hexagonal or flat-sided handles for more than just grip. These shapes allow you to insert a wrench or spanner over the handle, providing extra torque when dealing with stubborn screws. By using this technique, you can apply more force without straining your hand, making tough jobs easier. It’s a professional trick that many people overlook.
24. Escalator Brushes Serve a Safety Purpose
The long bristle brushes along the edges of escalators aren’t there to clean your shoes—they’re a safety feature. These brushes help prevent clothing, bags, or shoelaces from getting caught between the escalator steps and the side panels. This small but crucial design element reduces the risk of dangerous accidents.
Conclusion
From safety enhancements to clever design choices, everyday objects hold more secrets than you might expect. These small yet fascinating details make our daily lives easier, safer, and more efficient—often without us even realizing it.
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