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This Is This Design Deceptive?: Evaluation Matrix Template helps identify and asses deceptive design patterns that may manipulate user attention and behavior. It provides a structured framework to help designers and stakeholders recognize and address tactics that excessively prioritize business goals at the expense of user well-being.

By examining various deceptive patterns, this matrix sheds light on how these strategies can undermine user trust and cause frustration. It serves as a tool for critically examining design choices and ensuring they align with ethical standards.

This template is partly inspired by discussions on r/assholedesign

Created by Audrey Lingstuyl

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Is This Design Deceptive**?: Evaluation Matrix**

Deceptive Patter Description Assessment Comments Actions
Attention Manipulation Does the design use tactics such as infinite scrolls or auto-play to hold user attention unnecessarily? [ ] Not at all 😃
[ ] Somewhat 😅
[ ] Significantly 😞 [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Misleading Visuals Do images or graphics misrepresent the product or service? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Notification Overload Are users flooded with an overwhelming number of notifications or emails? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Ambiguous Calls to Action Are CTAs unclear or misleading, making it hard for users to understand what will happen next? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]w
Subscription Traps Does the design make it difficult for users to unsubscribe or cancel a service? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Misleading User Reviews Are user reviews manipulated or curated in a way that misrepresents user experiences? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Deceptive Progress Indicators Do progress bars or completion indicators mislead users about how much they have achieved? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Obscured Terms and Conditions Are important terms hidden or difficult to find, preventing users from fully understanding their commitments? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Forced Continuity Does the service automatically transition a free trial into a paid subscription without clear consent from the user? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Hidden Costs Are additional fees or charges revealed only at the final payment stage, leaving users unaware of the total cost? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Roach Motel Is it easy to sign up for the service but difficult for users to cancel it later? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Confirmshaming Does the design guilt-trip users into making choices that primarily benefit the company? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Trick Questions Is misleading language used in the design that confuses users, leading them to make unintended choices? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Privacy Zuckering Are privacy settings complicated to discourage users from opting out of data sharing? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Pre-selected Options Are additional subscriptions or marketing materials automatically selected through unchecked boxes? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Bait and Switch Does the company promise one thing in its marketing but deliver another in the actual product? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Social Proof Manipulation Are popularity metrics falsely displayed to encourage users to make purchases? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Gamification of Important Functions Are essential actions gamified to keep users engaged, potentially detracting from their experience? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Tiny Touch Targets Are clickable elements designed to be too small, making interaction frustrating for users? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Ambiguous Settings Are vague options offered for managing notifications or privacy settings, leading to uncertainty about choices? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Obscured Settings for Attention Management Is access to settings for managing notifications, preferences, or privacy options hidden or complicated? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Limited Control Over Notifications Are users not allowed to set preferences for the types of notifications they receive? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
False Urgency Is a sense of urgency created to push users into making quick decisions? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Complex Onboarding Processes Is the sign-up process lengthy, requiring excessive information to start using the product? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]
Distracting Interstitials Are users frequently interrupted by pop-ups or ads that distract from the main content? [ ] Not at all
[ ] Somewhat
[ ] Significantly [Insert comments] [Insert recommendations]

Is This Design Deceptive?: Evaluation Matrix Template by Audrey Lingstuyl

**All My Templates | Resource Collection | Give Feedback | Subscribe**