Empathy Library

No. #135

Status Quo Bias
- Preference for the Current State

Status quo bias is the preference to keep things the same by doing nothing or sticking with a decision made previously. This bias can affect user decisions in settings requiring change or adaptation, such as software updates, switching services, or adopting new technologies.

Read more on Wikipedia

Product example

Users might resist updating an app or changing their usual settings despite the potential benefits of new features or improved security.

Empathy tips

1

Ease Transition Processes

Make transitions or changes as easy and seamless as possible for users.

2

Highlight Benefits of Change

Clearly communicate the benefits of adopting changes or new features.

3

Gradual Introduction

Introduce changes gradually to avoid overwhelming users.

4

User Control and Customization

Provide users with control and customization options to adjust the pace of change to their comfort.

Related

No. #18

Anchoring
- First Impressions Last

The tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the 'anchor') when making decisions. This can affect how products are priced, how features are introduced, and how negotiations are framed.

No. #20

Contrast Effect
- Comparison Alters Perception

The contrast effect occurs when the value of a proposition is changed by comparing it to a recently observed contrasting proposition. This can impact user decisions in a product's favor or disfavor, depending on the alternatives presented alongside.

No. #22

Framing Effect
- Influence of Presentation

The framing effect is the tendency of our decisions to be influenced by the way information is presented, rather than just the information itself. This can significantly affect user behavior and choices, such as the perceived usability of a product based on its description.

No. #124

Zero-risk Bias
- Preferring Total Risk Elimination

Zero-risk bias describes the preference for completely eliminating a risk over reducing it, even when the reduction would result in a greater overall decrease in risk. This can lead to decisions that prioritize the elimination of minor risks at the expense of addressing more significant, but less absolute, risks. In product development, this might manifest in features or policies that offer complete safeguards against minor issues, potentially diverting resources from more effective, comprehensive risk management strategies.

No. #133

Decoy Effect
- Altered Preferences with Additional Options

The decoy effect occurs when consumers change their preference between two options when presented with a third option that is asymmetrically dominated. This can be used in pricing strategies, product features selection, and more, subtly guiding users toward a preferred choice.

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