Dark Patterns. Clear Consequences.
Not every UX flaw is unintentional. Sometimes, it’s strategic. Sometimes… it’s deliberate.
• Pre-checked boxes for newsletter signups
• “Cancel” buttons styled like “Confirm”
• Prices shown in tiny, barely legible font
• Fake close buttons that don’t close anything
These are all dark patterns — intentional design choices that manipulate user behavior.
Sure, they might boost short-term metrics. But in the long run?
They destroy trust.
UX Should Be Ethical by Design. But It Often Isn’t.
User experience is meant to be human-centered. Empathetic. Transparent. But under the pressure of quarterly goals and conversion targets, priorities shift.
You start with a nudge. Then a hidden checkbox.
Suddenly, you’re designing a trap, not an experience.
I’ve been there. Moments when I had to ask myself:
Am I helping someone — or tricking them into clicking?
The Designer’s Responsibility Goes Beyond Figma.
No, we don’t always make the final call. But we do decide what questions we ask.
- Does the user understand what’s happening?
- Do they really have a choice?
- Is the message clear and honest?
- Are we exploiting a moment of distraction or urgency?
Ethical UX is not about grand declarations.
It’s in the daily decisions. The copy. The layout. The feedback you give in meetings. The screen you question when it feels “off.”
My Personal Checklist for Ethical UX Design
🔹 Clarity – If it costs something, say it upfront.
🔹 Consent – Default opt-ins are a no-go.
🔹 Exit – Let users leave easily, without shame tactics.
🔹 Tone – Don’t use emotional manipulation like “No, I don’t want to be successful.”
🔹 Accessibility – Ethics include inclusion. Your design should work for everyone.
Being Ethical Won’t Kill Your Business — It Might Save It.
Responsible design builds long-term loyalty.
People are not naive. They notice manipulation.
Once trust is broken, it’s gone — along with your users and their recommendations.
Ethical UX is not “nice to have.”
It’s brand strategy with a conscience.
Final Thought: Would You Use It Yourself?
That’s the golden test.
If your answer is “no,” go back and fix it.
Start small.
One button. One tooltip. One honest conversation with your team.
Because trust is not a feature —
it’s something you design.
Back to all Articles
