Dark Patterns on Websites and How They Trick You - CT Website Design

Most folks run into dark patterns without realizing there’s a term for them. Like when you try to close a website pop-up, and suddenly you’re signed up for emails. Or maybe you go to cancel something and the button is hidden, like it is playing hide and seek. At CT Website Design, we believe websites ought to assist people rather than deceive them. Sadly, some site owners don’t share that view.

A major trick is making the desired button big and noticeable while hiding the one you really need. Consider those popups with a huge “Yes, Sign Me Up” button and a barely visible “No Thanks.” It’s not an accident when the ‘Yes’ option stands out like that.. Somebody designed it that way on purpose.

Another one we see is websites adding things to your cart that you never asked for. You are checking out and suddenly, there is an extra warranty, service plan, or donation attached to your order. If you are not paying attention, you might not even notice. As a Web Designer in Connecticut, it always surprises us how many big companies still use tactics like this.

Some websites also make it way too easy to sign up and way too hard to leave. Joining takes one click. Canceling takes twenty. Then there’s dealing with annoying menus or making a call just to opt out of something. Frustration sets in quickly and usually, people can’t stick it out till the end. The companies causing this know exactly how frustrating it is – that’s kind of the point.

A good Website Designer that CT businesses trust should focus on making things clear and honest. Visitors should know what they are clicking. Prices should be easy to understand. Forms should not collect information that people do not need to give. When customers feel respected, they are much more likely to come back and recommend the business to others.

At CT Website Design, we believe trust is worth more than a quick trick. A website should make life easier, not harder. If a business has to fool people into buying something, there is probably a bigger problem that needs fixing. The best websites are the ones that treat visitors fairly and make every step simple, clear, and honest.