People insist that privacy matters to them, expressing a strong desire to protect their personal data. Yet they readily share information, either for the sake of convenience or in exchange for a minimal reward. Their words seem to belie their actions. But there's a reason for this contradiction. It's not that people don't care about their privacy; it's that the systems designed to protect them are so convoluted and abstract they'd make Rube Goldberg blush.
Ethics must be a primary consideration while designing product experiences. While many designers prioritize creating user experiences and smooth interactions, there is an often-overlooked aspect of design that can significantly impact users: dark patterns. These manipulative design techniques have the potential to deceive users, erode trust, and damage your brand's reputation. In this exploration of patterns, we will delve into what they are, why they pose problems, and how designers can safeguard user trust and promote ethical design.