Inaccessible and Deceptive: Examining Experiences of Deceptive Design with People Who Use Visual Accessibility...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Accessibility Research
• Digital Ethics

Background:

• Deceptive design patterns manipulate users into unintended actions.
• Limited research explores the intersection of deceptive design and visual accessibility technology.
• Understanding user experiences with these patterns is crucial for inclusive design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the experiences of individuals using visual accessibility technology with deceptive design patterns.
• To identify how accessibility barriers can unintentionally create deceptive experiences.
• To explore the consequences of deceptive design for users with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an interview and diary study with 16 participants who use visual accessibility technology.
• Analyzed participant experiences across six distinct deceptive design patterns.
• Examined both intentionally deceptive designs and unintentionally deceptive accessibility barriers.

Main Results:

• Participants reported negative experiences with various deceptive design patterns.
• Accessibility barriers were found to exacerbate the harms of deceptive design.
• Both direct and indirect consequences of deceptive patterns were documented.

Conclusions:

• Intent versus impact is a critical consideration in deceptive design and accessibility.
• Accessibility tools can potentially mitigate deceptive design by providing feedback to designers.
• A consequence-based accessibility perspective is essential for understanding these issues.