Analyzing Ethical Software Design Framework Beyond Dark Patterns

Concepts de base

The author presents a framework based on positive expected behavior using concepts to evaluate designs, focusing on deviations from user expectations that benefit the designer at the user's expense.

Résumé

The content discusses a new approach to ethical software design beyond dark patterns. It introduces the concept of using positive expected behavior grounded in concepts to evaluate designs and highlights the importance of aligning with user expectations. The framework aims to address existing dark patterns, evaluate nuanced designs, and document common application functionality through concept catalogs.
Current dark pattern research focuses on what not to do, but this content introduces a positive approach based on expected behavior. The framework uses concepts as units of functionality to assess designs and deviations from user expectations. By creating concept catalogs, designers can align with standard behaviors and interfaces for common functional units like shopping carts.
The studies conducted in the content demonstrate how the framework can accurately describe existing dark patterns, evaluate nuances in potentially dark designs, and capture common functionality patterns through concept catalog entries. The examples provided illustrate how different websites elicit varied responses from users despite having similar functionalities.
Overall, the content emphasizes the importance of aligning with user expectations and providing transparency in design decisions to avoid deceptive practices commonly associated with dark patterns.

Stats

A social media app might include concepts like Post, Comment, Upvote.
User reviews highlighted varying perceptions of features like auto-ship in online shopping websites.
Grove Collaborative automatically adds suggested items to the cart for recurring shipments.
StitchFix offers a similar service but is not perceived as dark by users.
Sports Direct sneaks items into the shopping cart without user knowledge.
Brignull's deceptive designs include examples like comparison prevention and confirmshaming.

Citations

"The key idea is to define acceptable designs as instantiations of positive patterns."
"Concept catalogs provide a structure for articulating conventional behaviors for common functional units."
"Our approach resolves conundrums by introducing concepts that capture conventional practice."

Idées clés tirées de

Beyond Dark Patterns

by Evan Caragay... à arxiv.org 03-05-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2310.02432.pdf

Questions plus approfondies

How can designers balance innovation while adhering to standard concepts?

Designers can balance innovation while adhering to standard concepts by using them as a foundation for their designs. Standard concepts provide a framework within which designers can innovate creatively. By understanding the core functionality and expected user interactions defined in standard concepts, designers can explore new ways to implement these functionalities without deviating from user expectations. This allows for innovative design solutions that still align with established norms and best practices.

What are potential drawbacks of relying solely on standardized concepts for design evaluation?

Relying solely on standardized concepts for design evaluation may have some drawbacks. One potential drawback is the risk of stifling creativity and limiting originality in design. Designers may feel constrained by predefined standards and struggle to think outside the box or come up with novel solutions. Additionally, standardized concepts may not always account for every unique aspect of a specific design context, leading to oversights or inaccuracies in evaluating certain designs accurately. It's essential to supplement standardized concepts with critical thinking and contextual analysis to ensure comprehensive design evaluations.

How might cultural differences impact user perceptions of ethical design practices?

Cultural differences can significantly impact user perceptions of ethical design practices due to varying values, beliefs, and norms across different cultures. What one culture considers acceptable or even desirable in terms of digital interactions may be perceived as unethical or inappropriate in another culture. Design elements that resonate positively with users in one cultural context could potentially offend or alienate users from a different cultural background.
Designers need to consider cultural diversity when creating digital experiences and ensure that their designs respect the values and preferences of diverse user groups. By conducting thorough research into target audiences' cultural backgrounds, designers can tailor their products appropriately, fostering inclusivity and promoting ethical design practices across various cultural contexts.