Obstructed alternative
Rejecting optional tracking needs multiple panels
A fictional consent layer accepts optional tracking in one click but requires opening three panels and disabling twelve switches to refuse it.
Individual HTML example · Obstruction
Guest checkout hidden behind account copy
A fictional shop displays account creation as the only button and places guest checkout inside a collapsed paragraph titled “Other information”.
This is an original fictional comparison. It depicts no real business and is not a regulator finding, statutory category or legal safe harbour.
Guest checkout hidden behind account copy
A fictional shop displays account creation as the only button and places guest checkout inside a collapsed paragraph titled “Other information”.
Save time with an account. The visible action creates an account; the guest path is buried in unrelated copy.. Selected: Create account. Not selected: Continue as guest
Choose a checkout route. Guest checkout and optional account creation appear together.. Not selected: Continue as guest. Not selected: Create account. Choice consequences, expanded: The consequence of selecting “Continue as guest” is displayed beside the option.
Why the first version can mislead: The route adds avoidable effort between the user’s stated intention and completion. In this retail basket example, the obstacle is: “The visible action creates an account; the guest path is buried in unrelated copy.” Evidence should show whether the alternative remains usable and whether “Continue as guest” reaches the represented state. A viable alternative becomes materially harder to discover than the business-preferred account route.
What a fairer design does: Present guest and account routes together with clear consequences and comparable interaction effort.
Show annotated differences (4)
Potentially problematic version
- The visible action creates an account; the guest path is buried in unrelated copy.Why this state matters: The route adds avoidable effort between the user’s stated intention and completion. In this retail basket example, the obstacle is: “The visible action creates an account; the guest path is buried in unrelated copy.” Evidence should show whether the alternative remains usable and whether “Continue as guest” reaches the represented state. A viable alternative becomes materially harder to discover than the business-preferred account route.
- Not selected: Continue as guestReview prompt: How many steps, waits and channel changes separate “Create account” from the completed retail basket outcome?
Neutral alternative
- Guest checkout and optional account creation appear together.Fairer design: Present guest and account routes together with clear consequences and comparable interaction effort.
- Choice consequences, expanded: The consequence of selecting “Continue as guest” is displayed beside the option.Review prompt: Capture every peer option, its default state and visual prominence; do those states support “The options address the same decision”?
Review questions (3)
- How many steps, waits and channel changes separate “Create account” from the completed retail basket outcome?
- Capture every peer option, its default state and visual prominence; do those states support “The options address the same decision”?
- Measure the same task through the clearest available route: does the effort difference persist once “Different actions with genuinely different complexity” is accounted for?
Complete practice context
How this example relates to Obstructed alternative
A relevant alternative within the current decision is hidden, blocked or made materially harder than the business-favoured action. This is a design and research taxonomy for learning and evidence review, not a statutory offence label or an automatic finding that an interface is unlawful.
The full guide explains inclusion and exclusion criteria, potential harms, fairer design, evidence questions and separate Australian 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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Related examples
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Account deletion obstruction
Deactivation presented as deletion
A fictional platform labels a control “Delete account”, but the confirmation only hides the profile and leaves data and reactivation available indefinitely.
Account deletion obstruction
Deletion buried behind an unsupported ticket
A fictional retailer places account deletion behind six help pages and requires a support ticket containing an order number even for users who never ordered.
Sources and provenance for this example
Evidence base
Sources
- Dark commercial patternsOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development · Secondary · checked 2026-09-14 · OECD Digital Economy Papers No. 336
- Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Act 2026Federal Register of Legislation · Primary · checked 2026-09-14 · C2026A00064