10 Hilariously Over-Engineered Solutions to Simple Problems

We’ve all been there—facing a minor problem and coming up with a solution that’s a little over the top. It’s human nature to sometimes overthink things, especially when we have the tools and technology. This list is a celebration of those moments when inventors and engineers took simple problems and threw everything they had at them, resulting in solutions as impressive as they are unnecessary.

Take, for example, a keyboard that costs more than a month’s rent or a mousetrap that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. These are the kinds of inventions that make you chuckle and think, “Was that really necessary?” Yet there’s something endearing about them. They remind us of the joy of tinkering, of pushing boundaries just to see what’s possible, even if it means creating something utterly extravagant.

So let’s dive into a collection of over-engineered marvels. From the smell of fresh croissants waking you up in the morning to a watch that requires a PhD to understand, these inventions show that sometimes the simplest problems inspire the most creative (and over-the-top) solutions. Get ready to be entertained and perhaps a bit amazed by human ingenuity at its most extravagant.

Related: Top 10 Twisted Theories About the Future of Technology

10 The Optimus Popularis: An $1,100 Computer Keyboard

The Optimus Popularis keyboard was a tech lover’s dream with a price tag to match at $1,100. Created by the Russian studio Art Lebedev, it wasn’t your typical keyboard. Each key was a tiny screen that could display any image or icon, making it incredibly customizable and quite the conversation starter.

You could program each key on the Optimus Popularis to show symbols, letters, or even animations. This was particularly useful for designers, gamers, and professionals who used specialized software. Despite its impressive customization options, the high price meant it was more of a luxury than an everyday necessity.

Although the Optimus Popularis has been discontinued, it remains a fascinating example of over-engineering. It pushed the boundaries of what a keyboard could do, sparking both admiration and debates about its practicality. Whether seen as a groundbreaking innovation or an extravagant novelty, it definitely left its mark in the tech world.^[1]

9 Jake Easton’s Robotic Mousetrap

Jake Easton’s Better Mousetrap offers a unique approach to pest control with its combination of electrical and pneumatic power. The device weighs nearly 6 pounds (2.8 kilograms) and includes features such as a key lock switch and manual safety. It utilizes sensors to detect the presence of a mouse, which then activates a pneumatic actuator to deliver a powerful strike with 102 pounds (46 kilograms) of force, using 40-60 PSI of compressed air.

The trap’s design includes several advanced components, such as solenoids and a hand-crafted aluminum case. When a mouse triggers the sensors, the trap’s mechanism swiftly and efficiently eliminates the rodent. This high-tech approach contrasts sharply with traditional mousetraps, which are typically simpler and less expensive.

While the Better Mousetrap showcases significant engineering prowess, it also raises questions about practicality and necessity. Traditional traps are known for their affordability and ease of use, whereas this robotic version is more complex and costly. This juxtaposition makes the Better Mousetrap an interesting example of modern engineering unnecessarily applied to a common household task.^[2]

8 14 Million People Watch J Perm Overthink Solving a 1×1 Rubik’s Cube

Solving a Rubik’s Cube can be challenging, but what happens when there’s only one piece? J Perm, a popular YouTuber known for his Rubik’s Cube tutorials, decided to tackle this unusual puzzle. With over 14 million views, his video on solving the 1×1 Rubik’s Cube has captivated audiences worldwide. Despite the simplicity of the puzzle, J Perm humorously overthinks the solution, adding layers of unnecessary complexity to entertain and engage his viewers.

The 1×1 Rubik’s Cube is essentially a joke, as it has no moving parts and doesn’t require any actual solving. However, J Perm’s approach to this “puzzle” involves detailed analysis, mock frustration, and exaggerated strategies highlighting the absurdity of over-engineering a solution to a non-problem. His comedic take on the 1×1 cube has made the video a hit, proving that sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy when viewed through a creative and humorous lens.^[3]

7 An Alarm Clock that Wakes You Up to the Smell of Fresh Croissants

Imagine waking up to the scent of fresh croissants instead of a jarring alarm. The SensorWake alarm clock, created by Guillaume Rolland, does just that. Using replaceable scent cartridges, this innovative device releases pleasant aromas like coffee or peppermint at your wake-up time, aiming to make mornings more enjoyable.

Each scent cartridge lasts up to 30 uses, offering a variety of aromas. If the scent doesn’t wake you within three minutes, a backup sound alarm activates. This dual sensory approach ensures you won’t oversleep while providing a more pleasant start to your day.

Despite its charm, the SensorWake has faced practicality concerns due to the need for regular cartridge replacements, adding ongoing costs. However, for those seeking a gentler wake-up experience, the SensorWake presents an interesting alternative to traditional alarms.^[6]

6 The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari: The Watch You Need a PhD to Fully Understand

The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is not just a watch; it’s a complex masterpiece of horology inspired by the Ferrari LaFerrari supercar. This timepiece features an impressive 637 components and a 50-day power reserve, making it one of the most advanced watches ever created. Its design, like the car, is sleek and futuristic, housing a movement that is as intricate as it is fascinating.

What sets the MP-05 LaFerrari apart is its unique construction. The watch uses a vertical tourbillon and a series of stacked barrels to achieve its lengthy power reserve. The time is displayed using cylinders instead of traditional hands, adding to its distinct and unconventional look. This level of complexity is rarely seen in wristwatches, making it a true collector’s item for horology enthusiasts and Ferrari fans alike.

While the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is undoubtedly a marvel of modern watchmaking, its complexity and high price tag make it a luxury only few can afford. This watch exemplifies the pinnacle of over-engineering in the world of luxury timepieces, combining technical prowess with an aesthetic that pays homage to one of the most iconic cars ever made.^[5]

5 Cluvens Scorpion Gaming Cockpit: The $3,000 Gaming Chair

The Cluvens Scorpion Gaming Cockpit takes the idea of a gaming chair to an entirely new level. Priced at $3,000, this elaborate setup resembles a giant scorpion, complete with an articulating tail that supports up to three monitors. Its design is not just for show; it aims to provide gamers with an immersive and comfortable gaming experience.

This gaming chair includes features such as an adjustable seat, built-in massage and heating functions, and a motorized leg rest. The scorpion’s tail can be adjusted to bring the monitors closer or further away, optimizing the viewing distance. Additionally, the entire cockpit can recline, allowing users to find the perfect angle for both gaming and relaxation. Its ergonomic design aims to reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions, making it a practical, if extravagant, addition to a gamer’s setup.

Despite its high cost, the Cluvens Scorpion Gaming Cockpit has attracted attention for its unique design and extensive features. It stands as a prime example of over-engineering in the gaming world, where functionality meets outlandish design. Whether it’s worth the investment is up to the individual, but there’s no denying its appeal to serious gamers looking for the ultimate setup.^[6]

4 The $2500 Airless Basketball

Wilson’s airless basketball introduces a unique approach to the game. Priced at $2,500, this basketball uses advanced 3D printing technology to create a lattice structure that doesn’t require inflation. This innovative design aims to replicate the feel and bounce of a traditional basketball without the need for air.

The ball features a network of tiny hexagonal holes, giving it a distinct appearance. This airless design ensures that the ball maintains its shape and performance over time, eliminating the common issue of deflation seen in regular basketballs. The consistent bounce and durability make it appealing to both casual players and athletes.

However, the high price tag makes it a specialty item rather than a practical choice for most players. While traditional basketballs need regular maintenance and can be punctured, Wilson’s airless version offers a low-maintenance alternative. Its unique construction is a glimpse into potential future developments in sports equipment. However, its everyday practicality is still up for debate.^[7]

3 The World’s Most Over-Engineered Guitar

Pi Ko and Darko Skulikj’s guitar integrates advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. It features a built-in computer with a touchscreen interface, allowing for the adjustment of settings and effects directly on the instrument. Sensors track finger positions and strumming patterns, making the guitar highly responsive.

A key component of this guitar is the embedded Arduino board, which runs custom code to manage the sensors and interface. This allows for real-time data processing, enabling precise control over sound and effects. The guitar is constructed from carbon fiber and other high-end materials, ensuring durability and high sound quality. It also includes advanced electronic components like multiple pickups and a specially designed fretboard, enhancing its precision and versatility.

What makes this guitar over-engineered is the extensive integration of technology. While these features provide impressive customization and control, they add layers of complexity that go beyond typical musical needs. The high cost and intricate design offer unparalleled capabilities but might be seen as excessive for everyday use.^[8]

2 The Nike Air Pressure: One of the Most Overengineered Gym Shoes of All Time

The Nike Air Pressure, released in 1989, stands out as one of the most over-engineered gym shoes ever made. Designed to offer ultimate ankle support, it featured a unique air pump system located in the heel of the shoe. This system allowed wearers to inflate an internal bladder, providing a customized fit around the ankle. The high-top design, combined with this air pump technology, aimed to offer unparalleled stability and support for athletes.

Despite its innovative approach, the Nike Air Pressure was not a commercial success. The complexity of the air pump mechanism and the bulky design made it less practical for everyday use. Additionally, the high price tag deterred many potential buyers. However, it has since become a collector’s item, celebrated for its unique design and ambitious engineering. The Nike Air Pressure serves as a fascinating example of how far a brand can go in pursuit of innovation, even if the result is more of a novelty than a practical solution.^[9]

1 The World’s Largest and Most Ridiculous Rube Goldberg Machine

The world’s largest Rube Goldberg machine is a prime example of creative over-engineering. A Rube Goldberg machine is designed to perform a simple task in the most convoluted and elaborate way possible, using a series of chain reactions. This massive contraption, built by a team of engineers and designers, holds the Guinness World Record for its size and complexity, stretching across multiple rooms with thousands of components like dominoes, pulleys, and levers.

The machine’s simple task is to water a plant, but it accomplishes this through an intricate series of steps, each triggering the next. Watching it in action is both mesmerizing and humorous, as it demonstrates the ingenuity and whimsy involved in its creation.

Constructing this machine required meticulous planning and teamwork. While it serves no practical purpose, it stands as a testament to the joy of creating something purely for fun and the spirit of innovation.^[10]