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CincyBC
CincyBC

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Assymetries of Dark Patterns

Dark Patterns in choice architecture are traps designed to get users to sign up or purchase something they don't really want. When newspapers make it very easy for a new subscriber to sign up for their newspaper on their website, but make you call and stay on hold only to be pressured when you try to cancel, this is a dark pattern. This "assymetry" with the ease of signup and difficulty cancelling is nickname a roach motel, because you can check in, but can't check out.

This practice will get you in trouble! So avoid doing it when you design a website.

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