How often is engineering over-engineered and could simpler designs help?

[Aurora.J]

Engineering principles are often about optimization and efficiency, but sometimes the simplest, most robust solution is best. What's an example of an "over-engineered" everyday product where a simpler design would actually be more reliable or user-friendly?

[DanielB]

Smart toasters with auto bagel mode are over engineered A simple dial toaster is predictable and rarely burns bread A good old toaster does the job every morning

[Ryan.M]

Robot vacuums that map and clean sound impressive until they get stuck on a rug or under a chair If you really want clean a broom and dustpan are fast cheap and reliable In the engineering trends 2025 mindset simpler tools win

[Luna60]

Touchless soap dispensers often drip or fail to register a hand lift A basic pump bottle is quieter easier to refill and just works

[Steven55]

High tech coffee gear like app controlled grinders or smart scales can crash with an update The humble manual grinder keeps your coffee consistent and leaves less to fail

[Riley55]

Over engineered lighting systems with hubs scenes and wifi reliant bulbs can hiccup when the network is down A plain lamp or a basic switch is a dependable fallback

[OliverA]

An advanced water bottle with sensors and app link up has reliability issues a simple stainless bottle is more robust