Dark Patterns: How design nudges become exploits with 
Marie Potel-Saville

‍

Marie Potel Saville, founder and CEO of FairPatterns, recently joined the Business & Society podcast for a conversation about dark patterns and why they matter more than ever. It is a simple topic on the surface, yet it touches the everyday experience of anyone who navigates the digital world.

Understanding dark patterns

During the episode, Marie explains dark patterns in very practical terms. These are design choices that nudge us toward decisions we might not have made if everything had been presented clearly. Sometimes it is a button that is easier to accept than refuse. Sometimes it is a path that keeps us engaged for longer than we intended. None of these interactions feel dramatic, but together they shape the way we behave online.

Why they are still everywhere

Marie also reflects on why dark patterns remain so common, even though they are incompatible with the spirit of regulations such as the GDPR and the Digital Services Act. Digital products are built for speed and simplicity. Most of us click without thinking because that is exactly what the interface encourages us to do. In that environment, small manipulations can easily hide in plain sight.

She points out another reality. Short-term engagement often wins over long-term trust. That tension explains why manipulative design continues to thrive, even when the long-term consequences are harmful for both users and companies.

A human issue, not just a design issue

One of the strengths of the conversation is how grounded it is in real life. Marie talks about the people who are most affected by dark patterns, from teenagers discovering digital platforms to anyone dealing with stress, fear or urgency. In those moments, even small design choices can have a disproportionate impact.

The rise of AI adds a new layer. Systems that learn from our behaviour can also learn which persuasive techniques work best on us. This makes transparency, clarity and genuine choice more important than ever.

Choosing a different path

The episode ends on a constructive note. Manipulation is not a prerequisite for good design. Fair patterns show that it is entirely possible to create digital experiences that support people rather than pressure them. Marie shares how FairPatterns helps organisations rethink their interfaces, align with regulations and rebuild trust with their users.

Good design can protect people. It can also strengthen the relationship between organisations and the audiences they serve. This is the direction Marie advocates for throughout the episode.

Listen to the podcast

You can listen to the full episode here
Dark Patterns: How Design Nudges Become Exploits
https://businessandsociety.net/speaker/34-dark-patterns/

‍