Deceptive Patterns

Deceptive.design (formerly darkpatterns.org), is a collaborative initiative led by Harry Brignull, Mark Leiser, Cristiana Santos, and Kosha Doshi. The site serves as a hub for exposing and studying "deceptive patterns" — design tactics designed to trick, trap or coerce users into actions and situations that are not in their best interests. By documenting these manipulative practices, Deceptive.design educates consumers and designers, encouraging the adoption of more ethical digital design strategies. The platform also provides valuable information on relevant laws and legal cases related to these tactics, contributing to a broader understanding of the legal landscape surrounding digital user rights. Through their efforts, the team is shedding light on business practices that prioritise profits over user needs.