Deceptive Patterns: UX and Web Designers’ Perspectives

• Dr. Johanna Silvennoinen

  University of Jyväskylä

  Author

• Laura Havinen

  University of Vaasa

  Author

• Dr. Rebekah Rousi

  University of Vaasa

  Author

• Dr. Markus Ahola

  LAB University of Applied Sciences

  Author

• Jari Varsaluoma

  Tampere University

  Author

Over recent years, digital platforms and services have become ever more competitive. As competition has intensified, companies have found new ways to maximize profit. Deceptive patterns are design tactics in user interfaces that manipulate and deceive users, compromising user agency and privacy. Although research has focused on deceptive pattern taxonomies and end-user experiences, a gap still exists in understanding designers’ perspectives on deceptive patterns. This study examined user experience and web designers’ (N = 34) conceptualizations, familiarity, and reasons to implement, or not to implement, deceptive patterns.

The results indicate that designers had a strong ethical commitment to avoiding deceptive patterns, although their companies generally lacked related policies. Business, design, and user-benefit reasons motivated the implementation of deceptive patterns; conversely, designers’ values, possible business harms, and legal implications reduced the implementation. Our results advance current knowledge of why deceptive patterns are implemented and how designers reason through their actions from the perspective of their personal values and from an organizational perspective.

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1. Dr. Johanna Silvennoinen, University of Jyväskylä

   Johanna is a Senior Lecturer of Cognitive Science (University of Jyväskylä, Finland) focusing on cognitive and affective processes in HCI, especially on the predictability of experience design, aesthetics, deceptive design, and human-AI co-creation. She is the vice-chair of SIGCHI Finland and a member of the executive committee of the Experience Research Society (EXPRESSO).

2. Laura Havinen, University of Vaasa

   Laura is a University Teacher of Information Systems at the University of Vaasa, Finland. Her research focuses on deceptive design and on user experience in the context of learning technologies. Currently, she serves as the Chair of SIGCHI Finland.

3. Dr. Rebekah Rousi, University of Vaasa

   Rebekah is a Professor in Communication and Digital Economy, who holds a PhD in Cognitive Science. Rousi’s research focuses on user experience, human-robot and human-AI interaction, ethics, embodiment, and privacy and trust. Rousi also has a background in cultural studies and visual art.

4. Dr. Markus Ahola, LAB University of Applied Sciences

   Markus’ PhD research focuses on experiences in technology-oriented environments. In addition to working as a researcher and designer, he has developed multidisciplinary research and education collaboration between industry and academia. He is a SIGCHI Finland and EXPRESSO board member.

5. Jari Varsaluoma, Tampere University

   Jari is a University Lecturer in Human-Technology Interaction at Tampere University, Finland, with research experience in mobile learning, wearable wellness technology, and machinery automation. Jari teaches UI design, human-centered design, and service design. His current research topic is supporting youth’s societal participation through digital means.