dark pattern

[/dɑːrk ˈpætərn/]
nounpl: dark patterns
padrão obscuro
1. A deceptive user interface design technique that tricks users into taking actions contrary to their interests or intentions
The subscription service used dark patterns to make it difficult for users to cancel their memberships.
O serviço de assinatura usou padrões obscuros para dificultar o cancelamento de membros.
2. A manipulative design feature that exploits cognitive biases to encourage unwanted user behavior
Dark patterns like confirmshaming are considered unethical web design practices.
Padrões obscuros como confirmshaming são considerados práticas antiéticas de design web.
The term 'dark pattern' emerged from tech industry criticism and has become increasingly relevant in discussions about digital ethics, consumer protection, and regulatory frameworks like GDPR and Brazil's LGPD. It represents growing consumer awareness of manipulative design practices and corporate accountability.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
dark UXdeceptive designmanipulative interfacetrick designpredatory design
Antonyms / Antônimos
ethical designtransparent interfaceuser-friendly designhonest design

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
padrão obscuro
Standard translation used in tech communities and regulatory discussions
Portugal
padrão sombrio
Alternative Portuguese translation commonly used in European Portuguese
General Technical
design enganoso
More descriptive translation emphasizing deceptive intent

Related Words

confirmshamingroach moteldisguised adshidden costsprivacy sneakingbait and switchUX designuser interface

Related Idioms & Phrases

pulling the wool over someone's eyes
buried in the fine print
caught red-handed
trick someone into something
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