The Disproportionate Impact of Evil UX Patterns on the Cognitively Disabled Community
By ChatGPT & Jamie Vanderwall
ChatGPT Prompt
“Write about how evil UX patterns disproportionately affect the cognitively disabled community.”
Introduction
User experience (UX) patterns are a crucial aspect of modern digital design. UX patterns are design solutions that solve common user problems in a simple and effective way. However, there are instances where UX patterns can be harmful, leading to what is known as “dark patterns.” Dark patterns refer to manipulative or deceptive design techniques that trick users into performing actions that they did not intend to. These dark patterns can have a disproportionate impact on the cognitively disabled community, making it difficult for them to navigate digital platforms and access essential services. I will explore how evil UX patterns disproportionately affect the cognitively disabled community.
Evil UX Patterns
Evil UX patterns, also known as dark patterns, are design techniques that trick users into performing actions they did not intend to. These techniques can be manipulative and deceptive, leading to a negative user experience. There are several types of dark patterns, including:
Forced action: This involves forcing users to take an action they did not intend to take. For example, a website may require users to sign up for a service before they can access the content they are looking for.
Misdirection: This involves using visual or verbal cues to mislead users. For example, a website may use a deceptive button that looks like a “close” button, but instead redirects the user to another page.
Hidden costs: This involves hiding the true cost of a service or product. For example, a website may advertise a product as “free,” but require users to pay for shipping and handling.
10 most common examples of Evil UX patterns:
Forced Continuity: When a user signs up for a free trial and is automatically charged when it ends, without being given the option to cancel.
Bait and Switch: When a website advertises a product at a low price, but when the user clicks through, it is a more expensive product.
Hidden Fees: When a website does not disclose additional fees or charges until after the purchase is made.
Trick Questions: When a website asks a user a misleading or confusing question to push them towards a certain option.
Misdirection: When a website uses visual or verbal cues to deceive users into clicking on a certain button or link.
Urgency: When a website uses false urgency to pressure users into making a quick decision.
Social Proof: When a website uses fake reviews or testimonials to create a false sense of credibility.
Roach Motel: When a user signs up for a service and then finds it difficult to cancel or unsubscribe.
Hidden Options: When a website hides options or settings in order to push users towards a certain behavior.
Friend Spam: When a website requests access to a user’s contact list and then sends spam messages to their friends without their consent.
Impact on the cognitively disabled community
The cognitively disabled community includes individuals with cognitive impairments such as intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and learning disabilities. Evil UX patterns can have a disproportionate impact on this community, making it difficult for them to navigate digital platforms and access essential services. Here are some ways evil UX patterns can affect the cognitively disabled community:
Difficulty in understanding: Individuals with cognitive disabilities may struggle to understand complex or misleading information. Evil UX patterns that involve misdirection or hidden costs can be particularly confusing and frustrating for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Difficulty in decision-making: Individuals with cognitive disabilities may struggle with decision-making and may be more susceptible to forced actions. Evil UX patterns that force users to take actions they did not intend to can be particularly harmful to individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Increased stress and anxiety: Evil UX patterns can cause stress and anxiety for all users, but they can be particularly overwhelming for individuals with cognitive disabilities. For example, a pop-up window that constantly appears on a website can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing disorders.
Social isolation: Evil UX patterns can make it difficult for individuals with cognitive disabilities to access essential services online, leading to social isolation and exclusion from the digital world.
Conclusion
Evil UX patterns can have a disproportionate impact on the cognitively disabled community, making it difficult for them to navigate digital platforms and access essential services. Designers and developers have a responsibility to create digital experiences that are inclusive and accessible to all users. By avoiding evil UX patterns and following accessibility guidelines, we can create a digital world that is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
