Everyday Inconveniences
Have you ever noticed how some everyday tasks are strangely difficult for left-handed individuals? It seems like the world is unintentionally designed to favor right-handed people. So, how much of an impact does this really have?
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Scissors Are Designed For Right-Handed Use
Most scissors are manufactured with the top blade positioned for right-handed users, meaning lefties struggle with visibility and require more force to cut. Left-handed scissors exist, but they are harder to find and often more expensive.
Can Openers Require Right-Hand Use
Traditional manual can openers have a turning mechanism on the right side. This means a right-handed grip is essential to operate one smoothly. Lefties either have to use their non-dominant hand or awkwardly maneuver the device. While left-handed can openers exist, they are not widely available.
Sohs Ehtofsoet, Wikimedia Commons
Notebook Tear Lines Are Easier For Right-Handed People
Perforated pages in notebooks are designed so that right-handed users can easily tear out a page with a clean edge. On the other hand, left-handers must pull in the opposite direction, which can be a little inconvenient.
Ice Cream Scoopers Have Thumb-Operated Levers For Right-Handed Use
This small but frustrating design choice can make serving ice cream more difficult for left-handed individuals. Many ice cream scoops have a built-in lever to release the ice cream, typically positioned for right-handed use. The lever is often placed on the right side, which feels awkward for left-handed users.
Pens At The Bank Are Attached On The Right
Banks often tether their pens to the right side of writing areas. The short cord restricts movement, which forces lefties to contort their wrists or shift positions to sign documents. This design assumes right-hand dominance.
Credit Card Machines Have Right-Handed Card Slots
Although some machines have tap-to-pay options, most credit card machines have the slot positioned for right-hand use. As a result, lefties should reach across or use their non-dominant hand. Machines with different designs or that allow for cardless transactions can solve this issue.
Measuring Cups Are Easier For Righties
Measuring cups usually have markings on one side. When held in the left hand, the measurements are often facing away, making it difficult to see. Lefties either have to turn the cup awkwardly, guess the measurement, or learn the metric system if it’s written on the other side.
Spiral Notebooks And Binders Make Writing Difficult For Lefties
If you’re a lefty, you probably know that spiral notebooks and binders are uncomfortable to use because the metal rings dig into your wrist. This makes writing a painful experience and often results in messy handwriting. On the other hand, right-handed people can write smoothly without obstruction.
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Guitars Are Designed For Righties
Left-handed people who want to play the guitar face a challenge because most guitars are made for right-handed players. Some learn to play right-handed, while others flip the guitar upside down or restring it to match their dominant hand. Some companies make left-handed guitars, but they are less common.
Power Tools Have Safety Switches Favoring Right-Handers
Many power tools, such as drills and saws, have safety and shut-off switches positioned for right-handed use. Left-handed users must awkwardly reach across or adjust their grip, which can be unsafe. Some left-handed power tools are available, but they aren’t that common.
Desks In Lecture Halls Are Built For Right-Handed Students
Although they can be found, left-handed desks are far less common, forcing lefties to sit uncomfortably or contort their arms while writing. This design makes long lectures and exams more difficult for left-handed students, who often struggle to find a suitable seat in large classrooms.
Cup Holders In Cars Are On The Right Side
Do you enjoy a cold beverage while driving? Many car cup holders are located to the right, which can be less convenient for lefties. Some holders are centrally positioned, making them accessible for both hands. Conversely, in right-hand-drive vehicles, left-sided cup holders create similar challenges for right-handed users.
Add a Cupholder to Any Car by Peter von Panda
Writing Ink Smudges For Left-Handed Writers
Left-handed people often struggle with smudging ink as their hand drags across the page while writing. Ballpoint pens and quick-drying ink help reduce this issue, but traditional gel pens and markers can create a mess.
Cameras Have Shutter Buttons On The Right
Most cameras have their shutter buttons and other controls on the right side. Left-handed photographers must adapt by using their right hand or holding the camera awkwardly. While some cameras offer customizable buttons, the default design overwhelmingly favors right-handed users.
Golf Clubs Are Harder To Find For Left-Handed Players
Since most golfers are right-handed, manufacturers cater to that majority. Left-handed golf clubs are significantly less common than right-handed ones, limiting choices for left-handed golfers. Many stores carry only a small selection, which makes it difficult to find the right fit.
Refrigerator Doors Have Handles Positioned For Right-Handed Use
Even something as simple as opening the fridge can become a little bit inconvenient for lefties. Refrigerators, especially the older models, have handles placed on the left side. Fortunately, some modern models offer reversible doors, which can solve the problem for lefties.
Microwave Buttons Are Placed On The Right Side
Microwave keypads are almost always located on the right, assuming users will operate them with their right hand, which leaves lefties struggling with something as little as warming up their dinner. This small design choice might not seem significant, but it reinforces how everyday appliances favor right-handed users.
jeanvdmeulen, Pixabay
Knife Sharpeners Are Angled For Right-Handed Use
Most knife sharpeners are designed with a right-handed angle. Using one with the left hand often results in an uneven edge or requires an awkward grip. Since most kitchen tools cater to right-handed users, left-handed cooks must adjust their technique or seek specialized sharpeners.
Smart Sharp Kitchen Knife Sharpener by Lantana - Quick Start Instructions by Lantana Homeware
Zipper Flaps On Pants Are Designed For Right-Hand Opening
Left-handed people must either reach across their body or adjust their grip to zip their pants because the zipper flaps open from the right side. While this is extremely easy for most people, it can feel unnatural to lefties. Unfortunately, left-handed users rarely get designs suited to their needs.
Watches Have Crowns Positioned For Right-Handed Use
Watch crowns, used to adjust time and settings, are almost always placed on the right side of the case. Lefties wearing their watches on the left wrist must either remove them to adjust them or wear special models designed for left-hand use.
Car Gear Shifts Are Designed For Right-Hand Use
Gear shifts are positioned in the center console, assuming drivers will use their right hand, except in countries where the steering wheel is positioned on the right. Left-handed drivers must adapt by using their non-dominant hand for shifting, while right-handed users operate more naturally.
Number Pads On Keyboards Are Placed On The Right
Most standard keyboards have the number pad positioned on the right side, assuming users will operate it with their right hand. For left-handed individuals, this setup forces them to either use their non-dominant hand or awkwardly reach across the keyboard. Luckily, some ergonomic keyboards and external number pads cater to lefties.
Ticket Machines And Vending Machines Favor Right-Handers
Coin slots, card readers, and buttons on ticket and vending machines are typically positioned on the right side. This layout forces left-handed people to reach across or use their right hand. However, some newer models feature centrally placed controls or ambidextrous layouts that accommodate both left- and right-handed users.
Drawing Along A Ruler Covers The Numbers
When left-handed people draw a line with a ruler, their hand naturally moves from left to right, covering the numbers as they go. This makes precise measurements more difficult compared to right-handed users, who can clearly see the markings as they draw.
Holding A Tape Measure In The Left Hand Makes Numbers Upside Down
Standard tape measures are designed so that numbers appear right-side up when held in the right hand. Left-handed users holding the tape in their dominant hand often find the numbers upside down. Some left-handed tape measures exist, but they are much harder to find.
