In modern English usage, the informal term "idiot proof" or idiotproof describes designs which inherently or by use of defensive design principles cannot be misused. The implication is that the design is usable even by someone of low intelligence who would not use it properly.
The term became popular in the 1970s. It may have been invented as a stronger-sounding version of 'foolproof' (introduced in 1902), as the force of 'foolproof' had declined due to frequent usage. Perhaps for the same reason, 'foolproof' is now a formal term, whereas 'idiot proof' remains informal. Both terms are originally adjectives ("a foolproof plan"), but can be used as verbs ("foolproof this design").
Several Murphy's law adages claim that idiot proof systems cannot be made, for example "Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool" and "If you make something idiot proof, someone will just make a better idiot."
Along those lines, Douglas Adams wrote in Mostly Harmless, "a common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."
Famous quotes containing the words idiot and/or proof:
“There is no one thoroughly despicable. We cannot descend much lower than an idiot; and an idiot has some advantages over a wise man.”
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830)
“Right and proof are two crutches for everything bent and crooked that limps along.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)