Products · Pattern or everyday thing
Light switches
Raised as a usability problem by 8 people on Hacker News over 16 years (2011–2026), in 8 threads.
No issue was raised by at least 3 people in 3 threads this year.
No issue was raised by at least 3 people in 3 threads in the last 5 years.
Every issue, all time, most people first
Unclear which switch position turns the light on or offUnreviewed
20112026- With several switches, it is impossible to tell which one controls which light2024-02-12
- Can't tell whether a light switch will turn the light on or off2015-09-11
- Can't tell whether a side-to-side switch is on or off from its position2012-11-05
Unreviewed issues were grouped by machine: Claude Haiku labelled each comment as a usability complaint, named what it's about and summed up the problem in a line, and a small model grouped similar problems. Nobody has checked them by hand. Expect mistakes.
The newest 8 complaints
- Ceiling fan light switch sits outside the room, so it can't be reached when the door is closed2026-10-09
- With several switches, it is impossible to tell which one controls which light2024-02-12
- Modern switches make loud clacking noises, unlike silent mercury switches2022-11-23
- Wheelchair user can't reach most light switches to turn lights on or off2019-07-03
- Have to cross a dark open-plan room to find the light switch2017-12-06
- Can't tell whether a light switch will turn the light on or off2015-09-11
- Can't tell whether a side-to-side switch is on or off from its position2012-11-05
- Unclear which switch position turns the light on or off2011-05-10