Quiz: Designed With Lefties in Mind
Quiz: Designed With Lefties in Mind
It often takes more than flipping a design on its edge to make a tool work for left-handers.
About 90 percent of people are right handed, which of course means that most products, tools, and machines are designed with them in mind. But what about the lefties of the world? From buttons to computer mice and even zippers, there’s no question that products are mostly made for the right-handed.
Historically, most lefties either adapted to using right-handed tools or made their own custom solutions. It wasn't until the late 20th century that left-handed tools were readily available either. Designing implements that actually work as well in the left hand as the right can require a surprising amount of engineering as well. For example, scissors can’t simply be flipped to the left hand for use—the angle of those blades must also be changed.
Do you know what challenges and solutions are necessary to make left-handed instruments work? Find out with this ASME quiz.
Historically, most lefties either adapted to using right-handed tools or made their own custom solutions. It wasn't until the late 20th century that left-handed tools were readily available either. Designing implements that actually work as well in the left hand as the right can require a surprising amount of engineering as well. For example, scissors can’t simply be flipped to the left hand for use—the angle of those blades must also be changed.
Do you know what challenges and solutions are necessary to make left-handed instruments work? Find out with this ASME quiz.
It often takes more than flipping a design on its edge to make a tool work for left-handers.
Related Content
Jan 14, 2026
Making Robot-Human Interactions Safer
As robots move beyond factories and into everyday life, new algorithms are helping machines make safer, smarter decisions when interacting with people.
Jan 13, 2026
Caltech's Autonomous IndyCar
Caltech’s autonomous race car takes on the challenge at Laguna Seca, pushing AI-driven speed and strategy to the limits.
Jan 12, 2026
Podcast: Mechanical Engineering’s Best of 2025
Mechanical Engineering’s editorial team takes its an annual look back at 2025’s top stories.
Jan 8, 2026
A Scalable, Biomass Waste-Based Textile
A new bioengineered fiber offers a pathway toward sustainable textile manufacturing.