What are dark patterns? You’ve probably been there: you sign up for a service in one easy click, but when it’s time to cancel… suddenly it feels like you’re trapped in an escape room. That’s a dark pattern: a sneaky design tactic that messes with your choices.
The term was coined back in 2010 by British UX designer Harry Brignull when he started documenting all those shady interface tricks that push people to buy, accept, or share things without really meaning to.
The Usual Suspects: Classic Dark Patterns in Action
Let’s look at a few greatest hits from the deceptive design playbook:
- Impossible-to-cancel subscriptions: Easy to join, maddening to leave. (Looking at you, some streaming platforms.)
- Confirmshaming: Buttons that guilt-trip you into clicking. Like: “No thanks, I’d rather miss out on the deal of the century.”
- Sneak into basket: Extra items magically appear in your cart—like a digital party crasher.
- Roach motel: Easy to get in, almost impossible to get out. You know the type.
- Hidden costs: Surprise fees at checkout that weren’t mentioned upfront.
- Friend spam: Apps ask for your contacts and then go wild, spamming them with invites.
Want to see these tactics pushed to their limits? Dark Pattern Games collects real-life examples of deceptive UX in video games. From sneaky in-app purchases to manipulative progression systems, the site shows how game design often crosses into dark pattern territory—especially when profit takes priority over player experience. It’s a reminder that these aren’t just isolated tricks—they’re systemic strategies.
Why Dark Patterns in UX Are a Problem for Users and Brands
Besides being annoying, dark patterns can have real consequences:
- Trust erosion: Nobody likes feeling tricked.
- Legal risk: The EU and some U.S. states (like California) already regulate dark patterns.
- Design ethics: Should designers use their skills to mislead? No, they shouldn’t.
Good UX Design vs. Dark UX: What’s the Real Difference?
It’s a simple difference:
- Good UX is clear, transparent, and respectful of user intent.
- Dark UX is about manipulating users into clicking what’s best for the business—even if it’s not what they meant to choose.
No Gimmicks, Just Good Design
At Bits Kingdom, we believe you don’t need to play dirty to earn a user’s trust. When digital experiences are honest, simple, and thoughtfully designed, people stick around because they want to—not because they can’t figure out how to leave.
👉 Want to build a product users love, no tricks involved?
Let’s talk and design digital experiences that are clear, ethical, and effective.
