Dark Pattern

A user interface or user experience design technique that tricks users into actions they did not intend, such as hidden subscription charges, confusing opt-out flows, or disguised advertising.

Dark patterns erode user trust and invite regulatory scrutiny. The short-term revenue gains from manipulative design are almost always outweighed by reputational damage, higher churn, chargebacks, and increasingly, legal liability.

A SaaS company pre-checks an annual plan upgrade during checkout when the user selected monthly, making it easy to accidentally pay for a full year. A founder reviewing her competitors' practices identifies this dark pattern and deliberately avoids it, positioning transparency as a brand value.