Dark Pattern

ELI5 — The Vibe Check

A dark pattern is a UI design trick that manipulates users into doing things they didn't intend — like hiding the unsubscribe button, making the 'accept cookies' button huge and the 'decline' link tiny, or adding items to your cart automatically. It's the evil twin of good UX. Some are illegal now. All of them are scummy.

Real Talk

Dark patterns are deceptive UI/UX designs that trick users into unintended actions: signing up for services, sharing data, or making purchases. Harry Brignull coined the term and categorized types including Confirmshaming, Roach Motel, Trick Questions, and Forced Continuity. GDPR, CCPA, and the FTC increasingly regulate against dark patterns, particularly in cookie consent and subscription cancellation flows.

When You'll Hear This

"Making the cancel button gray and tiny is a dark pattern." / "The EU is cracking down on cookie consent dark patterns."