Paper Type
Short
Paper Number
PACIS2025-1791
Description
The pervasive use of smartphones significantly contributes to increased procrastination, particularly among young adults. Many mobile applications utilize dark design patterns, deceptive user experience (UX) techniques that exploit psychological triggers, to maximize user engagement and screen time at the cost of autonomy and well-being. Grounded in Design Science Research (DSR), this study explores how persuasive technology shapes user behavior and identifies the role of dark design patterns in prolonging procrastination. To counteract these effects, we apply Nudge Theory to design and develop a smartphone simulation that exposes users to manipulative design tactics while promoting mindful engagement strategies. By contrasting dark design patterns with nudging interventions, the simulation aims to increase mindfulness and encourage healthier digital habits. The findings contribute to the growing discourse on ethical UX design, offering insights into how mobile experiences can be restructured to support user autonomy and well-being.
Recommended Citation
Dincelli, Ersin; Ozdemir, Emre; Kusyk, Lukasz; Uzunkaya, Hazal; Huo, Sarah; and Behmuaras, Pia, "Countering Digital Procrastination: Dark Design Patterns and Nudging Strategies" (2025). PACIS 2025 Proceedings. 10.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2025/hci/hci/10
Countering Digital Procrastination: Dark Design Patterns and Nudging Strategies
The pervasive use of smartphones significantly contributes to increased procrastination, particularly among young adults. Many mobile applications utilize dark design patterns, deceptive user experience (UX) techniques that exploit psychological triggers, to maximize user engagement and screen time at the cost of autonomy and well-being. Grounded in Design Science Research (DSR), this study explores how persuasive technology shapes user behavior and identifies the role of dark design patterns in prolonging procrastination. To counteract these effects, we apply Nudge Theory to design and develop a smartphone simulation that exposes users to manipulative design tactics while promoting mindful engagement strategies. By contrasting dark design patterns with nudging interventions, the simulation aims to increase mindfulness and encourage healthier digital habits. The findings contribute to the growing discourse on ethical UX design, offering insights into how mobile experiences can be restructured to support user autonomy and well-being.
Comments
HCI