The Launch of the Dark Pattern Reform Association: Promoting Ethical Design Choices

In a significant step forward for ethical digital design, Oricon, Inc. has announced the establishment of the Dark Pattern Reform Association. This initiative seeks to address the growing issue of dark patterns—tricks used in user interfaces that lead consumers into making unfavorable decisions. By introducing the NON-DP Certification program and accompanying corporate training, the association aims to facilitate ethical practices that not only protect users but also promote business growth.

Background

In the era of online shopping and service platforms, dark patterns have become a pervasive global issue. Many companies feel compelled to leverage these manipulative design strategies to remain competitive in a cutthroat market. However, the Dark Pattern Reform Association believes in offering an alternative perspective that emphasizes the potential for success without relying on deceptive practices. Their mission is to encourage a sustainable digital environment where both consumers and businesses can thrive equally.

Purpose of the Association

The core purpose of the Dark Pattern Reform Association is to support companies in achieving results through honest and transparent design, thereby disseminating positive case studies within the industry. It champions the feasibility of harmonizing "integrity" with "revenue," asserting that ethical design does not undermine profitability. Through practical support and a certification program, the association strives to cultivate a digital environment that everyone can trust and enjoy.

About the NON-DP Certification

One of the prominent offerings of the association is the NON-DP Certification mark, which verifies that a business employs sincere UX design practices that do not deceive users. Attaining and displaying this certification offers numerous benefits, including:
1. Increased conversion rates (up to 1.5 times) due to visible trust
2. Media exposure and public relations advantages as a recognized certified business
3. A distinctive identity as an "honest brand"

The certification process can be completed online in as little as two weeks at an initial cost of 49,800 JPY (including tax), with a renewal fee of 24,000 JPY in subsequent years.

Launching Training for Companies

In conjunction with the certification, the association is rolling out corporate training aimed at educating businesses on maximizing their revenue without using dark patterns. This comprehensive four-day program covers practical methods to build effective and ethical digital experiences.

Recommended Participants

This training is particularly beneficial for:

- Companies experiencing an increase in customer complaints
- Web designers currently using deceptive design techniques to boost sales
- Legal and compliance professionals preparing for changes in regulations
- Marketing teams concerned about the integrity of their messaging

The training can be conducted either in-person or through Zoom, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, the Dark Pattern Reform Association will continue to address issues like obscure automatic renewal contracts and complicated cancellation processes, which often disadvantage users. They will promote widespread adoption of the NON-DP Certification and consistently update their guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance the application capabilities in companies while proving that honest design can still achieve great results.

A Message from President Takuma Yamamoto

According to Takuma Yamamoto, president of the Dark Pattern Reform Association, while dark patterns might yield short-term gains, they ultimately erode trust and lead to substantial long-term losses for businesses. Acknowledging the reality where some companies feel they must resort to these methods, he emphasizes the association's commitment to guiding businesses towards building lasting relationships with their users through trustworthy design principles.

For more information about the Dark Pattern Reform Association and its offerings, visit the official website or explore the training details here.