Designing ethical apps

Big tech companies influence our behavior to their advantage. User interfaces are designed to exert power. Buttons, labels, and processes are optimized for maximum profit for the sender. The visual design directs attention to the detriment of the audience.

Software design cannot be neutral because it is intended to sort information and make it accessible. But where is the line between helpful and patronizing? At what point does “nudging” become an unethical abuse of power?

In this seminar, we will look at deceptive design, i.e., design patterns that deliberately work against the interests of users. We will reflect on our responsibility as designers and take an opinionated stance on this issue.

- Regular attendance and participation
- Submission of drafts from the exercises

- Please bring paper and pens for sketching.
- Please create a Figma Edu account so that we can sketch digitally together.