B6Intermediate
Dark Pattern Hunter
45 minMonthly
Format: Find "dark patterns" in real products β designs that intentionally deceive users.
Common Dark Patterns (from deceptive.design/types):
| Pattern | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Forced continuity | Free trial requires credit card, hoping you forget to cancel | Many SaaS products |
| Nagging | Repeatedly prompting you to do something you've already declined | App rating pop-ups |
| Privacy zuckering | "Accept All" button is big and bright, "Customize Settings" is small and dim | Cookie banners |
| Hidden costs | Extra fees revealed only after you're emotionally invested | Airline ticket purchases |
| Confirmshaming | "No, I don't want to save money" as the decline option | Pop-up offers |
| Roach motel | Easy to subscribe, extremely hard to cancel | Certain subscription services |
| Trick questions | Double-negative checkboxes | Email subscription settings |
Steps: Visit 5 websites (airline, news site, SaaS trial, e-commerce, social media sign-up), find dark patterns in each, screenshot them, and think about how to redesign them.