Hard to cancel
The user finds it easy to sign up or subscribe, but when they want to cancel they find it very hard.
Types of deceptive pattern
A taxonomy mapped to laws and enforcement actions.
Sneaking
The user is drawn into a transaction on false pretences, because pertinent information is hidden or delayed from being presented to them.
Trick wording
The user is misled into taking an action, due to the presentation of confusing or misleading language.
Obstruction
The user is faced with barriers or hurdles, making it hard for them to complete their task or access information.
Nagging
The user tries to do something, but they are persistently interrupted by requests to do something else that may not be in their best interests.
Preselection
The user is presented with a default option that has already been selected for them, in order to influence their decision-making.
Hidden costs
The user is enticed with a low advertised price. After investing time and effort, they discover unexpected fees and charges when they reach the checkout.
Comparison prevention
The user struggles to compare products because features and prices are combined in a complex manner, or because essential information is hard to find.
Currency Confusion
The user is misled about how much they are really spending, because real money is converted into a virtual currency that obscures the true cost.
Forced action
The user wants to do something, but they are required to do something else undesirable in return.
Hidden subscription
The user is unknowingly enrolled in a recurring subscription or payment plan without clear disclosure or their explicit consent.
Addictive Design
The user interacts with the product excessively, because its design exploits psychological vulnerabilities to foster compulsive behaviour.
Visual interference
The user expects to see information presented in a clear and predictable way on the page, but it is hidden, obscured or disguised.
Fake social proof
The user is misled into believing a product is more popular or credible than it really is, because they were shown fake reviews, testimonials, or activity messages.
Basket sneaking; Confirm shaming; Forced action
Fake urgency
The user is pressured into completing an action because they are presented with a fake time limitation.
Confirmshaming
The user is emotionally manipulated into doing something that they would not otherwise have done.
Disguised ads
The user mistakenly believes they are clicking on an interface element or native content, but it's actually a disguised advertisment.
Fake scarcity
The user is pressured into completing an action because they are presented with a fake indication of limited supply or popularity.