[extralego]

I see what you mean, but I liked this example because it speaks to how innocent dark patterns can appear. I’ll try to explain.

The only thing missing is the intention, which isn’t even specified in the story, so I think we lack the necessary information to say for sure.

For example, let’s say a graphics designer were asked by their boss to make a sign to inform visitors that the elevator was broken. Then, let’s say the graphics designer discovered the company was holding interviews that day for new graphics designers who would replace them. If the sign were made as such to make those applicants late for their interview, we would be looking at a case of a dark pattern. If it were made as decoration, we wouldn’t be.