Dark UX Patterns: A Warning from Alessandro Fard
How manipulative design still sneaks into everyday experiences
If you've ever tried to cancel a subscription and ended up clicking through six hidden menus, or been guilt-tripped by a “No, I don’t like saving money” button, you’ve already met the world of dark UX patterns.
In this sharp and unfiltered interview featured in Safety Detectives, CreateApe founder Alessandro Fard breaks down exactly how these deceptive tactics work, why they continue to thrive across digital products, and what good UX designers should be doing instead.
He shares:
- Real-world examples of patterns like the roach motel, sneak into basket, and confirm-shaming.
- The psychology behind why users fall for them.
- Why “grandma-friendly” design should be the new standard.
- Tips for spotting and avoiding manipulative flows; whether you're building or buying.
It’s an honest, funny, and incredibly relevant read for anyone who cares about ethical design and user trust.
Read the full interview here