Creating persuasive systems that influence behavior through alignment with values rather than manipulation, honoring both wu wei and Islamic principles of voluntary choice.
All design persuades; the question is through what means and toward what ends. Taoist wu wei suggests influence occurs naturally through alignment rather than force—water persuades stone not through violence but through persistence and yielding. Islamic ethics demands respecting human agency and conscious choice, rejecting the deceptive manipulation condemned in Qur'anic ethics. Ethical persuasion design makes values visible rather than hidden, creates friction against harmful choices while smoothing paths toward beneficial ones, and always preserves genuine alternatives. This means being transparent about business models, clearly displaying information that might discourage engagement, and designing for user control rather than designer control. Notifications should inform rather than manipulate; recommendations should align with user goals rather than platform metrics; social features should encourage genuine connection rather than manufactured comparison and fear-of-missing-out. The principle is that the best persuasion feels natural and chosen, leaving users strengthened in their autonomy rather than hijacked. This requires designers to cultivate integrity as a fundamental tool.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.