UI/UX
UX, Manipulation and Other Forms of Digital Witchcraft
Anca Șofan - Lead Product/UX Design @ BoatyardX
Room 32
13th November, 10:30-11:00
This talk explores the thin, fascinating line between influence and manipulation in UX design. As designers, we shape behaviour — but at what cost? We’ll uncover the psychological levers behind persuasive interfaces, the emotional triggers that drive action, and the ethical boundaries we often tiptoe around.
Through real-world examples and “digital spells” used by today’s biggest players, we’ll look at how design can both empower and bewitch users. You’ll leave with a sharper eye for the invisible tricks of modern interfaces — and a few protective charms for your next project.
Anca Șofan
BoatyardX
Anca Sofan is a Lead Product / UX Design at BoatyardX, where she blends over 18 years of design experience with a strategic product mindset. Known for her sharp eye, structured thinking, and unapologetic love of Figma, Anca plays a key role in shaping user-first digital products—across industries like legal tech, sustainability, compliance, fintech or HR.
She’s led multi-disciplinary teams through complex discovery phases, co-created platforms that turn scientific data into intuitive tools and helped shape product visions from sketch to scale. Anca is passionate about bridging the gap between design and delivery, advocating for clarity, usability, and the occasional sticky note brainstorm.
