intermediate · 45–45 min
The Ethical Design and Dark Pattern Audit
Ensure your product is helping users
About this session
Product teams often face a conflict between driving short-term conversion metrics and maintaining genuine user trust. This session provides a structured way to identify where an interface might be using deceptive patterns to manipulate behavior rather than supporting user intent. It results in a prioritized list of specific design corrections and a documented agreement on ethical standards for the product.
Why it works
The audit works by detaching the critique from individual designers and applying a consistent set of ethical criteria to the existing UI. By moving through a two-step evaluation process, the session forces participants to confront the long-term business cost of dark patterns and builds the necessary consensus to prioritize user well-being over manipulative growth tactics.
What you’ll walk away with
- Clear actionable outcomes from a 2-step facilitated process
- Increased participant engagement and buy-in
- Documented decisions and next steps
- Improved team alignment on the topic
Who it’s for
Product Designers, UX Researchers
Frequently asked questions
Who should facilitate this workshop?
This workshop works best when led by someone comfortable with facilitation. Ideal for Product Designers or external facilitators working with design thinking teams.
How long does this workshop take?
Plan for 60-90 minutes depending on group size. The 2 activities are designed to flow together smoothly.
Run this session with METODIC
Get the full agenda, activities, timing, worksheets, and a facilitator guide for “The Ethical Design and Dark Pattern Audit” — ready to run in minutes, for any workshop, meeting, or team session.