Personalization

No smart defaults

What is it?

Users don't always know where to start. When they have to complete some task, or go through some workflow, suggesting the right options is a powerful way to improve the user's experience. On the contrary, suggesting the wrong defaults, or not making any suggestions at all, requires users to work extra to figure out where to begin which can be so frustrating for users.

Examples

Lack of continuity around video game settings

Self-reinforcing product recommendations

Inefficient interface for creating workouts

Underlying principles

Personalization

Personalization

Personalization

Smart Default

Smart Default

Smart Default

Guiding questions

Can the product infer or suggest a decision for certain steps?

Can the product infer or suggest a decision for certain steps?

Can the product infer or suggest a decision for certain steps?

Can the product use simple heuristics to suggest defaults?

Can the product use simple heuristics to suggest defaults?

Can the product use simple heuristics to suggest defaults?