How patterns can help you design more responsibly

Patterns are general and reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems. We use patterns all the time when we make technology. For example when we implement solutions found in a design system or a software library.

In the world of responsible technology, people have been talking about patterns in a more negative sense: deceptive patterns. These are common and recurring patterns that mislead or manipulate people. For example, many companies have made cancelling a subscription a deeply frustrating experience.

As well as calling out some of these deceptive patterns, members of the responsible technology community have been defining patterns that can empower more progressive approaches.