UX, Deception Through deceptive designs known as “dark patterns,” online retailers try to nudge you toward purchases you wouldn’t otherwise make. "Dark patterns are digital design elements that manipulate users into making decisions they otherwise wouldn’t, often to a corporation’s benefit. You might hand over your email address for marketing messages if the affirmative widget is larger and brighter than the option to decline, for instance. The term was coined a decade ago by user experience designer Harry Brignull, who created a typology of dark patterns, many of which prey upon humanity’s psychological weaknesses. More recently, the issue has been taken up by Congress, which considered a bill last year that would regulate how dark patterns are used. They’re found all over the web, but some of the most egregious examples are on shopping sites, where profits are directly at stake." Article: The Subtle Tricks Shopping Sites Use to Make You Spend More