Users tend to stick with the default rather than make a change.
Definition
Default Bias is a cognitive bias where users are more likely to accept the pre-selected options, rather than making active choices. This bias is driven by effort avoidance and status quo bias, making defaults significantly influential in user decisions.
Do
Make the default option beneficial for most users
Ensure the default options align with user goals
Use default options to simplify complex choices
Avoid
Don’t make critical decisions solely dependent on default selections
Don't use defaults to manipulate or mislead users
Don't set default options that could lead to negative outcomes if not changed
When to apply
When designing form fields with pre-selected options
When creating software settings
When designing user onboarding with recommended settings