The Current Problem
Data consent flows are designed to be skipped. Legal language, pre-checked boxes, and deliberate time pressure mean that 91% of users — especially older adults and children — tap “I Agree” without any real understanding of what they're giving away.
Designed to Rush
Consent flows use urgency cues, countdown timers, and blocked access to pressure users into fast decisions
Written for Lawyers
Average consent text requires university-level reading ability, excluding most of the population
Bundled Consent
Dozens of data-sharing permissions hidden behind a single “I Agree” button
Dark Patterns & Hidden Opt-Outs
Decline buttons are greyed out, smaller, or buried in multi-step flows to discourage refusal
Our Design Approach
We've designed an AI consent companion that intercepts the moment of signing. It slows the user down, translates each clause into plain language, and presents each data decision separately — so every choice is genuinely informed.
Deliberate Friction
One decision per screen with “take your time” prompts that normalise slowing down
Grade 7 Plain Language
Every clause rewritten in plain English that a 12-year-old can understand
Separated Decisions
Each data permission presented individually so users can accept some and decline others
Equal Yes and No Buttons
Accept and decline are identical in size, colour weight, and position — no visual tricks
Interface Design Proposals
These mockups show how AI can slow down consent without blocking access. Tested with adults 65+ and children ages 10-16.
Data Sharing Permission
They want to share your health data with insurance companies.
This means your blood pressure readings, medication list, and appointment history could be seen by your insurance provider.
You can change this later in Settings
Older Adults Design Notes:
- Large text and generous tap targets
- One decision per screen, no scrolling required
- Plain language explains real-world impact
- Pause option to involve a family member
Key Design Principles:
- AI never bundles multiple consents into one tap
- Plain language verified at Grade 7 reading level
- Yes and No are always identical in size and position
- User rights (GDPR Article 7, EU AI Act Article 22) surfaced at point of relevance
- “Ask someone I trust” pause option available throughout
These are simplified previews. Full interactive prototypes available in our complete package.
Research Interview Framework
A consent-focused research approach developed to measure genuine comprehension across age groups and cognitive abilities.
Consent research requires perspectives from the most affected user groups and those who design for them:
Older Adults (65+)
- Mix of digital confidence levels
- Include those with mild cognitive changes
- Recruit from community centres and care settings
- Aim for 15-20 participants with informed consent
Parents of Under-16s
- Familiar with managing children's app permissions
- Range of privacy awareness levels
- Include single-device and multi-device households
- Recruit 12-15 participants
Children (Ages 10-16) with Guardian Consent
- Mix of ages across the range
- Regular app and game users
- Ethical approval and parental consent essential
- Recruit 12-15 with guardian present
App Developers in Regulated Industries
- Health, finance, and education app teams
- Those responsible for consent flow design
- Compliance officers and product managers
- Recruit 6-8 participants
Ready to design trustworthy consent?
Our complete package includes consent audit frameworks, plain-language templates, and age-adapted interaction patterns.