UX Principles
Dark Patterns
Deceptive UI tricks that manipulate users: hidden costs, forced continuity, misdirection, confirm-shaming, roach motels, disguised ads. The ethical counterpoint to Laws of UX. Increasingly illegal under GDPR, FTC enforcement, and the EU Digital Services Act.
In plain terms
Sneaky design that tricks people into things they didn't mean to do, like hidden fees or hard-to-cancel subscriptions. Increasingly illegal.
Why this matters
Deceptive design erodes trust, harms the people least able to spot the trick, and is increasingly illegal under the EAA, GDPR, and consumer law. Beyond ethics, it's a growing legal and reputational risk.