The Hook model and UX design’s dirty secret

The Hook Model: when our hormones work against us

You’re probably subjected to it whether you know it or not. The book that introduced the Hook model has sold over 250K copies in over 20 languages. This framework aims to maximise engagement on a product, which is techspeak for making you spend as much time as possible on it, making you visit as many pages as possible, maximising the number of daily active users, etc. We are prone to this model because it leverages the specific way our brain has been moulded to ensure our survival. For all that, we can still learn to protect ourselves against it.

🔗 Read the article (on This Too Shall Grow)

Facebook is a harmful presence in our lives. It’s not too late to pull the plug on it

Undaunted by scandals, the social media giant plans to tighten its grip on our everyday activities. We don’t have to just submit.

🔗 Read the article (on The Guardian)

UX design has a dirty secret

Too often, designers are asked to perform UX Theatre, which doesn’t actually center the user at all.

🔗 Read the article (on Fast Company)

I, Obscura

I, Obscura illuminates dark design patterns by telling stories. A compilation of case studies, this zine offers readers a set of dark pattern examples, along with possible design and policy solutions.

🔗 Read the article (on ISSUU)

White paper: Designing our circular future

A joint white paper from Creative Denmark, Danish Design Center, BLOXHUB and Danish Architecture Center highlights the role of design in a transition to a circular economy.

🔗 Read the article (on Danish Design Center)

Important note

While an article shared here use the adjective ’dark’ to describe deceptive patterns, there is a conversation around the bad connotation it has. As of 9 January 2023, I have updated the language I use to be more inclusive and not discriminatory.

Read

• Why it's time to update our language about bad design patterns