I'm so sick of Zepto's Dark Design patterns
Is Zepto Evil?
Do you think hiding the truth is basically the same as lying?
If you do, then Dark UX probably isn't your thing.
Dark UX refers to design practices that intentionally deceive or manipulate users into making choices that benefit the company, often at the expense of the user’s best interests.
While these methods might drive short-term gains or meet certain business metrics, they often lead to frustration and mistrust among users.
Let’s dissect some mind boggling dark UX moves Zepto is using in order to understand this concept better.
1. Subscription Service Manipulation
The app sells you a subscription or service, like a delivery pass, but makes it tricky to use its benefits.
For instance, you have to manually apply a discount or coupon each time, and if you forget, you get charged anyway.
Example: You buy Zepto’s delivery pass expecting free deliveries. However, if you forget to apply it manyally, you’re still charged for delivery, which defeats the purpose of the pass.
2. Basket Sneaking
The app adds items or services to your cart without you explicitly choosing them, making you accidentally pay for things you didn’t want.
Example: You’re buying groceries, and as you review your order, you notice a small item like a candy bar or premium service fee that got added automatically. If you don’t catch it, you pay for it without wanting to.
So how to identify dark UX?
Take a look at this image 👇🏼
If we interpret the above image:
Ethical design means creating products that respect people’s rights, make life easier, and provide a positive, trustworthy experience without tricks or hidden motives.
🏆 Worth noting:
While these dark UX patterns may boost short-term profits, they leave users feeling frustrated and deceived.
At the end of the day, people deserve platforms that are built with their trust in mind—ones that put user experience first and don’t take advantage of oversights or momentary inattention.
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