Dark patterns are deceptive or manipulative interfaces that can lead users to act against their preferences or best interests. They are widely spread in the digital environment and there is multidisciplinary evidence of the individual and structural harms that they cause. In this article, we synthesize evidence of the prevalence of dark patterns, evidence of their harms, and the legal framework addressing them. Then, we propose a complementary area of research: a new taxonomy to contribute to solving the issue. We detail existing taxonomies, their main respective purposes, and we provide a gap analysis bridging human-centered principles and practitioners needs. Based on that analysis, we propose a new taxonomy to provide a usable, accessible, and sustainable tool to empower all stakeholders to take action and fight against dark patterns. In this taxonomy, we introduce the notion of fair pattern as a way to shift from a problem-oriented to a problem-solving perspective. Finally, the advantages and limitations of this taxonomy, such as the perspectives it opens as a countermeasure to solve the issue, are discussed.
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From Dark Patterns to Fair Patterns? Usable Taxonomy to Contribute Solving the Issue with Countermeasures
Synthesize evidence of the prevalence of dark patterns, evidence of their harms, and the legal framework addressing them. Propose a new taxonomy based on the notion of fair pattern as a way to shift from a problem-oriented to a problem-solving perspective