dark pattern

Deceptive design trick

A dark pattern is a user interface design that manipulates people into actions they didn't intend—subscribing to newsletters, sharing personal data, or making purchases.

The deception may involve hidden opt-outs, confusing button placement, or guilt-tripping language: The unsubscribe link was buried in a dark pattern that took ten minutes to navigate.

Also called deceptive design.

Related

misleading · trickery · deception · black hat · bait-and-switch · hidden fees · sneakiness · deceptive practices · nefariousness · consumer protection laws · regulatory oversight · roach motel · darknet · obfuscation · trick questions · trick question · patternless · legal accountability

Categories
Opposites
ethical design intent

dark patterninclusive design

Approach accommodating diverse abilities

accessible design

user outcome

dark patternuser-friendly design

Interface prioritizing ease

intuitive design

Family

dark, pattern, darker, darkest, darkly, darkness, darken, darkened, darkening

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Abstract · Negative · Rated G