Avoid These Deceptive Website Design Patterns!

As website designers and developers, we must create websites that are easy to navigate, enabling users to acquire the needed information and take action. Unfortunately, some of our peers in the industry succumb to deceptive website design practices in an attempt to secure more conversions over their competitors.

And, these practices are doing their website more harm than good. Many search engines are already actively addressing these website design malpractices by implementing safeguards to promote a level playing field for all websites and penalising those who employ deceitful tactics.

Today, let's uncover these misleading website design patterns and discuss how you can steer clear of these traps, which can prove quite costly for your website in the long run.?

Bait and Switch

Have you ever visited a website where an unexpected message appears, prompting you to download their app? You may click the “Exit” button, hoping to dismiss it, but instead it initiates the download. This is the perfect example of a “bait and switch” technique, which is a common deceptive website practice.?

The 'Bait and switch' involves users performing an anticipated action, only to be met by a different outcome. You may encounter this with certain software that encourages you to perform an update. Even if you choose to ignore it and click 'Exit,' it initiates the download process regardless.

How to avoid this?

The solution is simple.?

Just stick to the standard conventions on UI icons and components of website design. Refrain from tricking users into clicking these icons to perform an action opposed to its original purpose.??

Disguised Ads

Another common website design malpractice is the presence of 'disguised ads', or ads disguised as regular content. When promotional content is combined with your website’s authentic material, such as product promotions presented as product reviews, it can confuse your users, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

How to avoid this??

This is where the use of clearly placed headings and labels comes into play. By properly identifying what section contains your website's native content and what is sponsored content, you lead website visitors to a pleasant user experience.?

Misleading content?

If disguised ads are already upsetting, misleading content can quickly transform your website into a common annoyance for users.

A common strategy employed in this deceptive website design tactic involves deliberately positioning pop-ups or notifications in a manner that distracts users from locating the 'Close' button, redirecting them to other areas of the website, usually the monetized ones.

How to avoid this??

By properly labelling your webpage sections and placing pop-ups strategically in a way that won’t inconvenience users, you're giving them a quality experience within your website, minus the deception.?

Complicated opt-out process

At times, we may contemplate subscribing but not commit entirely. That's why cancel options are there. But companies know this all too well, and that's why through a deceptive website design practice called 'roach motel', they complicate the cancellation process. With additional layers of prompts and surveys, you'll surely be at a point of no return.?

How to avoid this??

Ensure that the cancellation process is as seamless and straightforward as the sign-up process. By narrowing it down to a few user-friendly steps, you're making them sway from cancelling to fully subscribing.

Sneaking products to your cart

If there's a candidate for the 'Downright Worst Website Design Malpractice', awarding this one the crown might not adequately convey just how detestable it is.?

Some online shopping apps knowingly add items to your shopping cart without your consent. Common examples include warranties or insurance for tech items purchased online. Imagine paying more than the original price due to an item you didn't even opt for.

How to solve this?

The best way to prevent this is by refraining from incorporating such practices on your website altogether!

The 'hidden costs'

A common issue among ticketing websites, this deceptive website design has left concert-goers dissatisfied. This arises from the display of ticket prices that users accept as the final cost, only to be slapped with additional charges like taxes and delivery fees during the transaction process.?

How to solve this?

Transparency is the only answer!?

Display the price of your products upfront, or at least provide a viable explanation if your pricing excludes taxes or other charges.?

The ‘auto-subscription’

Have you ever signed up for a free trial of a music or streaming app, only to be unaware that it had already expired, and then received a notification from your bank about a deduction for the subscription fee? It's certainly bothersome, but what's the reason behind it? Yes, it's another deceptive website design practice known as 'auto-subscription'!

Companies often request your billing details before you can access the free trial. They intentionally fail to remind you as the free trial expiration date approaches, making it harder to cancel. Given that they already have your payment details, they can then proceed to deduct the amount from your account.

Seems like a bad practice, doesn't it???

How to solve this??

Give them a guilt-free free trial experience by not asking for their payment details throughout the process and ending the service once the trial period lapses. Or send them a notification informing them that their free trial is ending in a few days so that they can take the appropriate action.?

Confirmshaming

Sometimes, a website opt-out prompt uses strong language to induce feelings of shame or guilt in the users for choosing to decline opting in. For example, when a pop-up asks you to subscribe to their newsletter, the two choices include 'Yes, I want to be informed' and 'No I'd rather remain ignorant'. That's confirmshaming for you.?

How to avoid this??

Using neutral, plain language in your website design prompts enable them to make informed decisions. It also shows your respect towards their individual choices.?

Website design without the deception!

After reading this blog, you may realise how crucial it is to maintain a clean website design, devoid of any deceptive elements, prompts, or pop-ups that could potentially impact your credibility and reputation over time.

The world of websites might be competitive, but to stand out, you shouldn't only avoid doing the wrongs but also apply the right tactics. That's where our website design and development expertise can kick your site up a notch!?

Contact us at www.elephantintheboardroom.com.au and unlock the possibilities waiting for your prized website!?