In terms of transparency, the best design practice is to make things clear to the users so that they can make informed choices.  In terms of persuasion, the way you design can pressure users into making choices that aren't in their best interest.

New York University

Designs can affect a wide range of people, so it's important to follow principles of ethical design:

-Usability

-Accessibility

-Privacy

-Transparency & Persuasion

-User Involvement

-Focus

-Sustainability

Ethical Design

https://99designs.com/blog/tips/ethical-design/

The Principles of Ethical Design

Usability is a quality attribute that assesses how easy user interfaces are to use. The word "usability" also refers to methods for improving ease-of-use during the design process.

Definition of Utility = whether it provides the features you need.
Definition of Usability = how easy & pleasant these features are to use.
Definition of Useful = usability + utility.

Usability

Transparency & Persuasion

In user-centered design, the user knows best and acts as the guide to the designer; the designer's role is to translate the users' needs and goals into an effective design solution.

User-Centered Design

Some apps are intentionally designed to "exploit human behavior using a 'social-validation feedback loop'" through constant notifications and the like.  Best practice is for designs to be there when the user needs them and out of the way when they don't.

Focus

Ensuring that all people have the ability to utilize a product, facility, or service, regardless of any disability they may have. Accessibility may include the modification of existing infrastructure, products, or services or designing them with disabled users in mind.

Accessibility

Transparency is the visibility of procedures that make up a system to users of the system. This helps to demonstrate the good working of an institution.

Transparency

Privacy is an individual's fundamental right to determine what personal information about themselves is shared with others. In psychological research, respecting participants' privacy is an essential element of honoring their rights and dignity. Researchers are obligated to protect this right, which they typically accomplish by maintaining strict confidentiality of the data or by ensuring complete anonymity.

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