Intermediate
Open
Pro
A Pre-Checked Add-On at Checkout
You're reviewing a checkout redesign built by another designer on your team. At the final payment step, there's a checkbox labeled "Add Priority Support (+$4.99/mo)" that is pre-checked by default. Below it, in smaller gray text, is a second checkbox: "Uncheck this box if you do not wish to not receive our weekly deals email" — also pre-checked.
- Identify the dark pattern(s) present in each checkbox, by name.
- Explain specifically why each one fails the "would it survive disclosure" test from this subject.
- Rewrite both as ethical, GDPR-compliant equivalents that could still serve the underlying business interest (upsell revenue, email list growth).
- The other designer says, "It's not a big deal, users can just uncheck it." Explain, using specific concepts from this subject, why that response doesn't hold up.
Share this question