Microwave for the Masses

by olen, posted June 2nd, 2009
categorized under design, inspiration, just for fun | Comments

 

 

Ah yes, true genius.  I was visiting a friend recently for a dinner party and came across this masterpiece of simple 12-button appliance UI.

In case you can’t see it in the fuzzy snapshot, not only is there a “help” button, it’s actually labeled “Help!” (with the exclamation point!).  Unfortunately this unit was out of service, so I was unable to turn it on and try it out to discover what exactly this button does. 

Since they found it necessary to include a “!”, I can only presume it is there in the event that your hot pocket becomes unstable and goes thermonuclear.  Only then can you activate the “Help!” button, at which point Jack Bauer arrives to disarm your radioactive countertop cooker.

Ironically, this massive microwave is called the “Counter Saver Plus.”  I guess the “plus” means “plus the rest of the counter.”

How complicated can heating up a TV dinner be that you have to engage a HELP! dialogue?

Have you seen other egregious interface designs like this one?  Post a picture or let us know in the comments!