Dark Patterns

Manipulative design strategies in user interfaces that guide user behavior toward outcomes favorable to service providers, often at the expense of users.

Dark patterns exploit cognitive biases and habitual behaviors to achieve specific commercial goals, tricking users into clicking ads, unknowingly agreeing to subscriptions, or sharing personal data without full understanding.

The term originated with Harry Brignull in 2010. Key categories include nagging, obstruction, sneaking, interface interference, forced action, and social engineering.

Dark patterns differ from persuasive design in that they prioritize business outcomes over user wellbeing, often through deception rather than transparent influence.

Related: 01-molecule—oecd-harm-taxonomy