Dark Patterns Symbiosis Bright Patterns
Bright Patterns ›

Explainability

Explainability encompasses design patterns that make system operations, data handling, and algorithmic decisions transparent and understandable to users. This includes showing data traces, revealing recommendation logic, providing clear cost breakdowns, and explaining AI processes in accessible language. These patterns build trust and empower users to make informed decisions about their interactions with digital systems.
Explainability
Illustration

Interaction Contexts

  • checkout
  • settings
  • social media

Supported Goals

  • clarity
  • transparency
  • satisfaction

Symbiosis

Dark counterparts to this bright pattern

  • Hiding Information
    Withholds or delays key details, making it harder for users to make fully informed decisions during their interaction.
    View pair →
  • Hidden Information
    Relevant details or options are concealed or presented as unimportant, making it harder for users to access or recognize them.
    View pair →
  • Interface Interference
    Make certain actions easier to find or perform while confusing or hiding alternatives.
    View pair →

Sources

Pattern Levels

High-Level Patterns Strategy Domain & Context Diagnostic (abstract)

High-level patterns include general strategies that can be employed through a range of modalities and technologies and application types

Meso-Level Patterns Angle of Attack Domain & Context Diagnostic (interpretable)

Meso-level patterns describe a context-agnostic angle of attack and may be interpreted in relation to context based on the specific modality or application type

Low-Level Patterns Means of Execution Domain & Context Specific (situated)

Low-level patterns are situated and contextually dependent, including specific means of execution

Diagram: High (strategy, diagnostic), Meso (angle of attack, still diagnostic), Low (means of execution, context specific). Integrated textual descriptions appear within each layer.

Source not found.

Approach: semantic vs flipping

Two different approaches to Bright Patterns:

1

Semantic Approach

This approach is used by Sandhaus. It defines concrete Bright Patterns for specific contexts — for example the Bright Pattern "Usage Limits", which describes an interface that restricts the usage time of a service to a healthy level.

2

Flipping Dark Patterns

The original way the term "Bright Pattern" was introduced: the direction of the manipulation is switched from harming the user to being user-friendly. For example, instead of highlighting the option that harms the user, the user-friendly option is highlighted.

Source:

Paul Bertram 2026
Impressum Datenschutz

Source not found.

Sources

A list of all sources used across the site. Click an entry to open the full reference.

Pattern Levels

High-Level Patterns Strategy Domain & Context Diagnostic (abstract)

High-level patterns include general strategies that can be employed through a range of modalities and technologies and application types

Meso-Level Patterns Angle of Attack Domain & Context Diagnostic (interpretable)

Meso-level patterns describe a context-agnostic angle of attack and may be interpreted in relation to context based on the specific modality or application type

Low-Level Patterns Means of Execution Domain & Context Specific (situated)

Low-level patterns are situated and contextually dependent, including specific means of execution

Diagram: High (strategy, diagnostic), Meso (angle of attack, still diagnostic), Low (means of execution, context specific). Integrated textual descriptions appear within each layer.