Dark Patterns

Dark patterns are design strategies that deliberately mislead or manipulate users into making decisions they may not intend to make. These tactics often prioritize business objectives over user experience, resulting in user frustration and diminished trust. Common dark patterns include bait and switch, where users are drawn in by enticing offers but end up facing less favorable alternatives, and confirmshaming, which employs guilt-inducing language to coerce users into compliance. Additional examples involve hidden fees, forced continuity, and deceptive interface elements that obscure true intentions. Understanding dark patterns is essential for designers and users alike, as recognizing these tactics fosters ethical design practices and enhances overall user experience. This category encompasses various terms related to these manipulative design practices, providing insight into both their mechanisms and implications in UX and product design.