Design & tech
Design & tech

Harry Brignull presenting at the European Parliament on Dark Patterns

A few weeks ago I was invited to give a presentation at the EU Parliament, as part of an IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) committee public hearing

By

Dr Harry Brignull

20/5/2022

“Today, digital software design is mainly the science of persuasion and control.  Gone are the days of designing things to look nice. Designers are teamed up with psychologists, who advise about conversion techniques. And with data scientists, who analyse tracked data about user behaviour and calculate statistics to show which designs deliver the most business value. 

It’s important to understand that the same methodology can be used to help or harm consumers. It depends on the intent of the business owner. “

Video of the entire event (dubbed in 15 different languages) is available on the EU Parliament website. The other talks were generally more focussed on law, such as the upcoming  Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA).

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FOOTNOTES
CONTRIBUTORS

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Design and tech

Harry Brignull presenting at the European Parliament on Dark Patterns

A few weeks ago I was invited to give a presentation at the EU Parliament, as part of an IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) committee public hearing

Dr Harry Brignull
May 20, 2022

“Today, digital software design is mainly the science of persuasion and control.  Gone are the days of designing things to look nice. Designers are teamed up with psychologists, who advise about conversion techniques. And with data scientists, who analyse tracked data about user behaviour and calculate statistics to show which designs deliver the most business value. 

It’s important to understand that the same methodology can be used to help or harm consumers. It depends on the intent of the business owner. “

Video of the entire event (dubbed in 15 different languages) is available on the EU Parliament website. The other talks were generally more focussed on law, such as the upcoming  Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA).

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About Smart

Smart is a global savings and investments technology platform provider. Its mission is to transform retirement, savings and financial wellbeing, across all generations, around the world.

Smart launched in 2015, its technology platform – Keystone – serves the needs of retirement savers globally. Keystone is specifically designed to help governments and financial institutions (including insurers, asset managers, banks and financial advisers) deliver retirement savings and income solutions that are digital, bespoke and cost-efficient. In addition to the UK, Smart is operating in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia, with more than a million savers entrusting over £15 billion in assets on its Keystone platform.

Aquiline, Barclays, Chrysalis Investments, DWS Group, Fidelity International Strategic Ventures, J.P. Morgan, Legal & General, MUFG and Natixis Investment Managers are all investors in Smart.

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Email: pressoffice@smart.co