Dark patterns - about this site

Is the same website as darkpatterns.org?

Yes, it's the same website with a new name. The term "deceptive pattern" is now being used in place of "dark patterns" in an effort to be clearer and more inclusive.

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Who runs this site?

Harry Brignull is the UX specialist who started this campaign against deceptive patterns in 2010 (formerly darkpatterns.org). Harry also provides expert witness services. If there’s something specific you’d like to know, Harry welcomes enquiries - you can find out more on his website: testimonium.co.

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How do I participate?

Use Twitter to spread the word. It's a really effective way to put pressure onto companies to stop doing this sort of thing

Retweet, quote and favourite other people's tweets.
@mention the offending brands and tell them what you think about their practices.
When you see an example, take screenshots and tweet it.
If you've got an example that doesn't fit into a tweet, you can use a platform like Medium or Imgur, then tweet it.
Mention @darkpatterns or use the hashtag #darkpattern.
If you're a journalist, and you want to get in touch, it's probably best you contact us on Twitter: either @darkpatterns or @harrybr.
It's a really effective way to put pressure onto companies to stop using deceptive patterns.
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How do I cite this website?

Please treat this website as you would any other academic source. You can use information, quotes and images from this website, provided that you clearly cite the source every time. For example – if you create a slide deck, please mention this website as the source on every slide that contains information that you got from here.

If you're using APA style, here's how to cite a website in APA style, and here's how to cite a secondary source (i.e. a link that you found via this site).

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Can we work together?

If you want to collaborate on something, send a direct message on Twitter and we'll take it from there.

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Website alumni