Deceptive Patterns in UX: How to Recognize and Avoid Them
By Maria Rosala
Deceptive patterns are designs that force the user to take an action that is not in their best interest. They are prolific on the web because they are phenomenally effective at boosting conversions. However, their use is unethical and legally problematic. This article provides an overview of how deceptive patterns can manifest and discusses how to identify them in your designs.
Guiding Questions
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Think of an example of deceptive UI/UX patterns you encountered in real life. What made said design deceptive?
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How do social factors and pressures influence deceptive designs?
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Think of a deceptive design you’ve encountered. How could you change it to make it more ethical while preserving similar profits and engagement?