The white UX community

: a reflection on dark patterns and a debate about user experience designer

Abstract

This project aims to raise awareness of the relevance of the User Experience Design (UXD) profession nowadays and foster discussion around the values and techniques in this field. Society is becoming ever more dependent on digital platforms, and therefore computer interactions seem to be the cornerstone of the present technological era. Although Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has a long history of usability methods, human values and ethical principles are at stake if we keep using traditional design thinking. After connecting the concepts and theories, a reflexive framework will be outlined that incites designers to discuss and share ideas about the impact of technology in society. This intention will be translated into an online platform where designers can exchange arguments with each other and share good practices. Harry Brignull’s study about Dark Pattern – nudges used in the online environment that persuade users into doing something they did not intend – will serve as the motto for discussion. In addition to aiming to build a unified vision of what the role of designers needs to be in order to play along with all the resolutions derived from disruptive technologies, this project also aims at reducing the potential gap between scholars and practitioners and to create a safe place for people to learn and obtain trustworthy knowledge.

Date of Award	3 Mar 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Carla Ganito (Supervisor)