When Someone Actually Used Their Brain: 26 Brilliant Designs

Somewhere between “why didn’t I think of that?” and “this person deserves a Nobel Prize,” lives a collection of 26 designs that make regular inventions look lazy. While most of us were living with billow-happy shower curtains like cave people, someone woke up and decided to solve physics. From meat thawing belts that speed up dinner prep to cookie dunkers that keep your fingers dry and your cookies perfectly soaked, each creation proves brilliance often strikes in the most random places.Watch cats groom themselves willingly (yes, really) with brushes that turn self-care into a game, while dogs actually enjoy bath time thanks to lick mats that distract them from their water-related trust issues. Need to take your meds on the go? Someone crafted a water bottle with asecret pill compartment in the basebecause apparently, they’ve met humans and understand our needs. Even tree swings got a glow-up with surf-style seats that makebackyard hangsfeel like catching waves. Every item showcases what happens when designers stop accepting minor inconveniences and start solving problems we didn’t even know had solutions.This post may includeaffiliate links.

Watch cats groom themselves willingly (yes, really) with brushes that turn self-care into a game, while dogs actually enjoy bath time thanks to lick mats that distract them from their water-related trust issues. Need to take your meds on the go? Someone crafted a water bottle with asecret pill compartment in the basebecause apparently, they’ve met humans and understand our needs. Even tree swings got a glow-up with surf-style seats that makebackyard hangsfeel like catching waves. Every item showcases what happens when designers stop accepting minor inconveniences and start solving problems we didn’t even know had solutions.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Review:“I love my SPACE Expanding Shower System that I have bought two. No more having to deal with my shower curtains getting stuck to my body or not having room I totally recommend them to everyone they are a breeze to install and you can pick from different colors and washable they are a dream come true for your shower.” -Noelia Stokes

Unique invention of a pleated shower curtain tilted to increase space in a compact shower.

Review:“We bought a Swurfer swing about a month ago and we absolutely love it! The only problem with it is that all of the kids AND adults have trouble waiting for their turn. The board appears well made with a smooth finish. I am looking forward to giving this gift to friends and family in the future. It keep the kids outside and having fun!” -chris hostetler

Man enjoying a swing in a wooded park, showcasing clever inventions to reduce frustration.

Review:“Bought for kids and father stocking stuffer they loved it.” -ronny

Yellow multi-tool pen with a ruler, level, and extra refills, on a wooden surface.

Review:“It is hands-down the best water bottle I have had. It’s easy to drink from the colors is amazing and I love how it has the small container that you can hold things in it.” -MOMMA G

Person holding a clever water bottle invention, wearing a blue plaid shirt.

Review:“I got this for my 3-legged cat because he can’t scratch his left side. He’ll be trying to scratch and all you see is his little nub going crazy. I found these and he immediately LOVED it! The expression on his face when he first tried it was priceless. The only downside is that it’s possible it’ll fall off because it was hard for me to get all pieces of tape to stick on a corner at the same time, but I can always buy more double sided tape so not a big deal to me. The product is for Floyd, not me, and he’s happy so five stars.” -WeedWendy

Cat using a clever invention brush mounted on a corner, enjoying a satisfying scratch.

Review:“This works miracles on my pores! I use it twice a week on my nose and it’s dramatically improved the skin.” -Brittany

Clever invention: a black octopus-shaped scrubber, opened to show a gray cleaning pad inside, on a tiled surface.

Review:“I really like it a lot. I really like the quality of the fabric.” -ChristianIf you are a frequent flyer, this hoodie is right up your alley! But don’t forget to check out these26 other travel fixesfor your worst nightmares abroad.

Person wearing a black hoodie stands indoors with hands in pockets, showcasing innovative clothing design.

Review:“It works as advertised. No more tangled sheets!! They come out of the dryer with less wrinkles! I love it. Where has this been all of my life? Ha! Ha!” -Gracelatitude

Hands placing clever laundry invention inside a washing machine.

Review:“Great product for thawing frozen food in your sink! Works great! Highly recommend!” -Laura S

Clever invention for evenly thawing frozen meat in a sink using a spreader.

Innovation takes unexpected turns as we explore more creations that prove genius often hides in life’s little annoyances. Each upcoming find demonstrates how the right person, armed with enough “what if” energy, can revolutionize even the most basic daily tasks.

Clever inventions showcased as book spines create a hidden message on a shelf.

Review:“I’m really happy with my purchase, exactly what I need it…” -Danzig666x

Innovative tuna can strainer minimizes frustration, sitting atop a can on a kitchen counter.

Review:“Cute, practical and functional.” -Peachphs

Zippered scrunchie bracelets on wrist, showcasing clever inventions for convenience.

Review:“These mats keep my dog busy for 30 min when covered with peanut butter or frozen applesauce! He loves them!” -Meghan

Dog enjoying bath with clever invention, a wall-mounted lick mat for stress-free grooming.

Review:“My car has terrible blind spots so I purchased these to help me when driving. The adhesive is strong, they are easy to use & blend in well. Makes me feel more secure when I drive.” -Nichole

Car side mirror with an additional convex mirror, a clever invention to reduce blind spots and frustration while driving.