The Gruen Transfer Goes Digital: How Websites Are Designed to Confuse You

Ever felt lost in a supermarket, only to buy things you didn't need? That's the Gruen Transfer—a deliberately confusing layout designed to make you forget your original purpose. This article argues that this tactic has spread online, with Facebook's newsfeed being a prime example, filled with ads and irrelevant content that keeps users endlessly scrolling. Many websites employ similar strategies to encourage impulsive purchases. The article explores the negative impacts of this and mentions EU regulations aiming to simplify user experience and reduce unnecessary complexity.