Dark Patterns
Dark patterns are deceptive user interface designs that manipulate users into taking actions they might not otherwise choose, such as making unintended purchases, sharing personal data, or subscribing to services. They exploit cognitive biases and often prioritize business goals over user experience, leading to unethical or harmful outcomes. Common examples include hidden costs, forced continuity, and misleading opt-out mechanisms.
Developers should learn about dark patterns to recognize and avoid implementing them, ensuring ethical design practices that respect user autonomy and build trust. This is crucial in fields like web development, UX/UI design, and product management, where such patterns can lead to legal issues, reputational damage, and poor user retention. Understanding dark patterns helps in creating transparent, user-friendly interfaces that comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.