Dark Patterns in the Travel Industry : A study on users’ perception of dark patterns on airline companies’ websites

Sammanfattning: This thesis investigates how airline companies use dark patterns on their websites and how users perceive them. Dark patterns are deceiving design strategies that take advantage of users by integrating misleading user interface features to trick users into doing things they did not mean to. Previous taxonomies of dark patterns are introduced, together with earlier research on dark patterns and user experience, to understand their research approach. A qualitative approach is used, including a case study that starts with a content analysis of airline websites and then semi-structured interviews with users. The results show that six types of dark patterns can be found on airline websites. These are misdirection, nagging, urgency, interface interference, price comparison prevention and forced action. It was found in line with previous research that dark patterns benefit the company and manipulate the users into choices that are not in their best interest. Users’ perceptions of the patterns varied due to different experiences and backgrounds. Some participants were not bothered by some of the dark patterns since they were used to them from other websites, showing a sort of dark pattern-blindness. Some users accepted the dark patterns due to the airline being low-budget. However, some were against the use and did not trust the company.