Dark Pattern

Dark Pattern


  • A dark pattern is a term coined by Harry Brignull describing a user interface feature designed to trick users into doing something more beneficial to the company over the user. For example, a company may intentionally make it difficult to cancel an account or service so that the user gives up in frustration and leaves it active.

    Dark pattern examples

    The following list is different examples of dark pattern tactics that may be used by a company.

  • Intentionally bury or hide features from users that don't benefit the company (e.g., smaller font or lighter font).

  • Difficult or impossible to close or cancel an account or service.

  • Require you to call or e-mail a human before allowing you to cancel.

  • Automatically opting users into a newsletter or other company preference that befits the company over the customer.

  • Falsely making a product or service seem limited or scarce to create a sense of urgency.

  • Intentionally changing the standard format or layout to deceive the user.

  • Automatically selecting products or services to be added to a shopping cart.

  • Creating questionnaires or quizzes to help collect user data.

  • Selling products or services in packages or bundles to make it difficult to compare prices.

  • Adding additional charges at the final step of the order process.

  • Confirm shaming, which makes the user click a button or link such as "No thanks, I don't like saving money."

  • Advertising made to look like a part of the website or an action on the website.

  • Deceiving users into sharing their contacts or sending friend invites through e-mail or over social media.

  • Silently renewing or starting a monthly credit card charge without notifying the user.

  • Force visitors to create an account before allowing them to view anything.

  • Abuse of notifications.

    Tip

  • Visit @darkpatterns on Twitter for a list of examples from users who have caught companies employing dark patterns.

    How to avoid dark patterns

  • Be patient and take the time to read everything slowly and carefully. Most users fall into dark patterns because they're in
    a hurry and don't take the time to read or give up too easily. However, even with this advice, it's still possible to fall victim to dark patterns because that's why they're designed. If you feel deceived by a company, we recommend using another company's services as an alternative.



    What is an Operating System? » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys » Computer Basics - Hardware - Software - Parts

    Short Stories for Kids - Moral Stories – English Short Stories for Children - Moral Stories for Kids - Stories for Kids - Funny Story for Kids - Scary Stories for Kids - Really Funny Short Stories - Bedtime Stories
    Proverb Stories
    Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students » Success Quotes » English Short Stories for Kids

    Cabin Crew Jobs & Career Advice » Secretary Job Description » Receptionist Job Description » Top 100 Interview Questions and Answers » How to Prepare for an Interview » How to Write a CV » How to Choose a Career » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions

    Scholarships in Australia » Scholarships in Austria » Scholarships in Belgium » Scholarships in Canada » Scholarships in Germany » Scholarships in Ireland » Scholarships in Italy » Scholarships in Japan » Scholarships in Korea » Scholarships in Netherlands » Scholarships in Switzerland » Scholarships in UK » Scholarships in USA

    Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Short Stories for Kids - Moral Stories – English Short Stories for Children - Moral Stories for Kids - Stories for Kids - Funny Story for Kids - Scary Stories for Kids - Really Funny Short Stories - Bedtime Stories
    Proverb Stories
    Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students » Success Quotes »Scholarships in UK »

  • Click here to post comments

    Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Computer Basics FAQ.