Deceptive Patterns
Harry Brignull's catalogue of interfaces built to trick people, complete with a hall of shame and the resulting case law.
Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.
How to get the most from it
Deceptive Patterns sits in UI & UX Libraries under Make, filed as coffee break.
- Set aside five to fifteen minutes and give it your proper attention.
- It works on a phone or a desktop, so open it on whatever is nearest.
- It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
- No account needed — you can start without signing up.
- Go in expecting something brainy, unsettling and useful.
About this category: Pattern libraries, dark-pattern catalogues, component galleries and laws-of-UX summaries. The bookmarks that actually get reopened.
Good for
- Filling a coffee break properly
- Giving your brain a workout
- A little creeping unease
- Getting something practical done
- A quiet break at your desk
- Killing time on your phone
- Trying it with zero commitment
Deceptive Patterns: quick answers
Is Deceptive Patterns free?
Yes. Deceptive Patterns is free to use and needs no account.
Do I need an account to use Deceptive Patterns?
No. You can use Deceptive Patterns without signing up for anything.
Does Deceptive Patterns work on a phone?
Yes. Deceptive Patterns works on phones as well as desktop browsers.
Is Deceptive Patterns safe for work?
Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.
How long does Deceptive Patterns take?
We file it as "Coffee break": Five to fifteen minutes of proper attention.
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