Co-Star is a popular astrology app known for its hyper-personalized horoscopes and minimalist design. However, beneath its sleek interface, the app utilizes several design choices that can mislead users. This project is a speculative redesign that intentionally amplifies these dark patterns to serve as a critical case study on design ethics. My goal was to understand how easily interfaces can be manipulated by embedding hidden information and misdirection into an existing product, using real user complaints as a foundation for the redesign. Role
UX Research
Prototyping Team
Just Me! Tools
Figma
Timeline
2 Months
Problem
As a user of Co-Star, the line between free features and paid content is becoming unclear, and the path to purchase feels manipulative. Through research in forums like r/AskAstrologers, I found that users are unhappy with the astrological accuracy and frustrated with the app's interface itself. The current interface relies on an “honest” labelling system (lock icons) to indicate premium content. In this redesign, the cues were removed to simulate how easily a user can be misled.
Redesigned Dark Pattern Tactics
Hidden Information
Original clearly labels premium features; the redesign styles all content identitcally, making users accidentally tap paywalled items.
Misdirection
Exit paths are hidden behind non-intuitive gestures and popup overlays with no visible “close” button.
Forced Action
Users are pushed through unnecessary screens to reach information that was previously one tap away.
Design Process
I began by categorizing the specific dark UX patterns I wanted to explore, using Harry Brignull’s “Deceptive Patterns” taxonomy as a guide.
Final Design
Removing Signifiers
Misdirection
Purchase Flow
Reflection
This project was a great exercise in design ethics. By implementing dark patterns, I gained a deeper emapthy for how easily users can be manipulated. This case study serves as both a critique of current industry practices and a reminder on the importance of clarity and transparency. Next steps would include usability testing to see if users are able to recognize the subtle manipulation and how it impacts their trust in the brand. Check out the prototype here.