Tactics to avoid deceptive patterns

Here are some practical steps to ensure your designs are ethical and user-friendly:

• Regular user testing: Regularly testing your designs with users can help identify any issues or deceptive patterns. Users often react negatively to obvious deceptive patterns, expressing anger or frustration.
• Amended cognitive walkthrough: Conduct a cognitive walkthrough of your design by asking key questions to identify potential ethical issues. Could users spend more money or provide more personal data than intended? Is the exchange fair when users consent to something for a benefit? Are users rushed or emotionally manipulated into decisions?
• Transparency and honesty: If a subscription service includes additional fees, these should be disclosed clearly and early in the process. Avoid using tricky language that might mislead users into unintended actions.