Design Bar: Ethics and Dark Patterns

How does design influence us as users? Does design contribute ethically to sustainable societal development, or does it risk steering and manipulating our choices?

The term Dark Patterns describes design that deliberately influences users to do things they did not intend to do, for example, paying hidden fees, consenting to marketing or terms and conditions without noticing, or being pressured into choosing one option over another. At EU level, several new legislative packages are being introduced that will affect how services and websites may be designed, with both technical and ethical perspectives in focus.

Although Dark Patterns are often discussed in a digital context, the concept can also be translated and applied to the design of physical environments, products or services. What tools do designers have to work more ethically? When does ethics fail, and why?

During this evening’s Design Bar, we will meet Sharon Lindberg, researchers in human–computer interaction with a focus on applied design ethics and Anna Lundqvist, Product Designer & AI Ethics Strategist. Through a panel discussion and a workshop, we will explore how to balance ethical perspectives within design processes and whether designers need to become more aware of their responsibility and the choices they make.

Evening programme:

17:30 Panel discussion

• Sharon Lindberg, Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University
• Anna Lundqvist, Product Designer & AI Ethics Strategist

18:00 Workshop on tools designers can use to design more ethically. Led by Anna Lundqvist.

19:00 The programme ends

ArkDes Design bar is a recurring evening programme that explores the role of design in sustainable societal development. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on site.