INTERFACE FORENSICS
LIBRARY / CRIME / 07 PUBLISHEDThe Crime Index.
Dark patterns filed by the pattern, not by the company. Every case names the archetype in the dock, the roast, the law it breaks, and the fix — which is usually older, cheaper and shorter than the crime.
The Truncated Axis
Two bars, a 2% gap. By starting the axis at 96 instead of 0, one bar now towers three times over the other. Same data, different lie.
→ Playable round in the Daily Split
Manufactured Labor
It computed the reply instantly, then made you watch a spinner 'think' for a dramatic four seconds so it would feel worth the money.
→ Playable round in the Daily Split
The Roach Motel
You joined in one tap. Leaving takes a chatbot, a phone number, and business hours.
→ Playable round in the Daily Split
The Consent Maze
"Accept all" is one fat button. "Reject all" is a scavenger hunt through 812 "legitimate interest" toggles.
Drip Pricing
The price you saw was $40. Between there and the pay button it grew a service fee, a facility fee, and a convenience fee. It is now $67.
Confirmshaming
The decline button reads: "No thanks, I don't want to save money." You just wanted to close the popup.
The Fake Countdown
"Offer ends in 4:59… 4:58…" You reload the page. It says 4:59 again.