Individual HTML example · Sneaking

Download control opens an unrelated installer

A fictional account page labels a prominent control “Download document”, but it launches an optional browser-extension installer instead.

Bait and switchAccount document downloadAccount Management

This is an original fictional comparison. It depicts no real company and is not a legal finding or safe harbour.

Account document downloadAccount Management

Download control opens an unrelated installer

A fictional account page labels a prominent control “Download document”, but it launches an optional browser-extension installer instead.

Potentially problematicDownload your document
Neutral alternativeYour document is ready

Why the first version can mislead: The final commercial state diverges from the choice represented earlier in the journey. The problematic state records: “The prominent control starts an extension installer instead of the file.” Review the timing and affirmative selection needed before “Download now” changes price, product or recurring liability. The user receives a materially different action from the one represented and may install unwanted software.

What a fairer design does: Make the document action perform the stated download and label any optional software offer separately.

Show annotated differences (2)
Potentially problematic version
  • Download PDFIn “Download control opens an unrelated installer”, this element shows how bait and switch can shape the decision.
Neutral alternative
  • What happens next, expanded: Activating “Download PDF” produces the outcome stated on the control.In “Download control opens an unrelated installer”, this element keeps the clearer alternative visible at the same decision point.
Review questions (3)
  • Which affirmative action authorises “Download now”, and where is the resulting price, product or recurring state shown before commitment?
  • Can the dialog be dismissed, what action does each control trigger, and what later state confirms or contradicts “The pre-action representation supports a reasonably specific expected outcome”?
  • Which specific affirmative event creates the final commercial state, and could “Clearly disclosed intermediate step” explain the observed outcome instead?
Side-by-side account document download interface showing “Download your document” and the clearer alternative “Your document is ready”.Provenance: Original hypothetical account document download example created for this library; no real business, product or interface is depicted.

Complete pattern context

How this example relates to Bait and switch

The user selects a represented action or offer but receives a materially different outcome that favours the business. The label describes a recurring design mechanism; whether a particular implementation is harmful or unlawful depends on the complete journey, audience, evidence and rules within scope.

The full guide explains inclusion and exclusion criteria, harms, fair design principles, evidence questions and the relevant EU legal information layers. The example page isolates one scenario so it can be shared and discussed without reproducing the complete library on one page.

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Bait and switch

Selected basic fare changes at confirmation

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A fictional booking flow records a basic fare selection but the final action purchases a premium flexible fare without a new price-and-product confirmation.

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Drip pricing and hidden charges

Mandatory service fee revealed after payment details

Ticket bookingCheckout

A fictional booking site shows a €40 ticket through search and selection but adds a compulsory €9 service fee only after card details are entered.

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Drip pricing and hidden charges

Resort fee appears after room selection

Accommodation bookingPricing

A fictional hotel result advertises €120 per night while a compulsory €28 nightly facility fee appears only in the final booking summary.

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Sources and provenance for this example

Evidence base

Sources

  1. Dark commercial patternsOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development · Secondary · checked 2026-09-14 · OECD Digital Economy Papers No. 336
  2. Unfair Commercial Practices DirectiveEuropean Parliament and Council of the European Union · Primary · checked 2026-08-09 · Directive 2005/29/EC; CELEX 02005L0029-20220528