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Deceptive Patterns
Have you ever checked out the free trial and later on without notifying you your credit card was charged? or you signed up for one newsletter and by clicking 'submit' you accept other newsletters too? or you paid to a subscription but there is no easy way to unsubscribe?
Well, It happens to everyone! These experiences are examples of deceptive patterns.
Deceptive patterns are UX methods that trick users into doing to buying something they wouldn't otherwise have done or bought.
In simple words, deceptive patterns trick users into unintentionally completing an action online.
It can be done through visuals, interactive, audio, motions, etc. that are added to the design.
When a user has to remove an item from their cart if they don’t want to buy it, which is an extra step that could be easily missed.
Eg: like a service or some extra plan is pre-selected as "add to my cart"
Making it intentionally difficult to compare prices so the user can’t make the best decision for themselves.
Eg: Buy at $1/Apple
Hidden or unexpected charges in the user’s cart that are not revealed until the end of the checkout process.
The practice of charging a user for a membership without a warning or a reminder.
Ads hidden in the page and made to look as if they were a part of the regular content or navigation.
Eg: Download button that is not an actual download button
Bait and switch, Friend spam, Misdirection, Trap door, etc.
Obviously for sales and profits.
Deceptive patterns are unethical and should be avoided. Being clear and honest with your users will strengthen their trust in
your brand and product.
your brand and product.
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