Digital subscription services increasingly use free-trial offers that automatically
convert into paid subscriptions. Previous research suggests that renewal and pricing
information is often presented with low visibility, which may affect users’ perceptions
of transparency and trust. This study investigated how the visibility and clarity of
renewal and pricing information in free-trial interfaces influence perceived
transparency and trust in digital subscription services.
A quantitative between-subjects experiment was conducted using four interactive
Figma prototypes: two high-visibility and two low-visibility versions. The prototypes
differed in the placement, font size, and visual emphasis of renewal and pricing
information, while all other interface elements remained unchanged. Data were
collected through an online questionnaire, with 39 participants taking part (21 in the
high-visibility condition and 18 in the low-visibility condition). The data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, Welch’s t-tests,
Pearson correlation analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha.
The results revealed significant differences between the two conditions. Participants
exposed to high-visibility interfaces reported higher levels of perceived transparency
and trust, particularly regarding pricing clarity, renewal visibility, and understanding
of financial terms. Correlation analysis also showed a strong positive relationship
between perceived transparency and trust. In contrast, participants in the low-visibility
condition were more likely to perceive important information as hidden or misleading.
The findings support previous research on transparency, trust, and dark patterns in
digital interfaces. Overall, the study suggests that transparency in subscription
interfaces depends not only on the availability of information but also on how clearly
and visibly it is presented to users.