OpportunityO1

Default Effect

We tend to follow the path of least resistance when making decisions.

Strategy card · Go-to option24 Pathways

The research

When it comes to donating organs, countries that we think of as very similar behave very differently. Few people donate organs in countries where you need to 'opt-in' by checking a box — UK (17%), Germany (12%), Denmark (4%). In countries where you need to actively 'opt-out' — France (99%), Austria (99%), Sweden (86%) — many more donate. Since people don't opt-out in these countries, they simply go with the flow and donate organs.

Johnson et al. (2003). Do defaults save lives?

Even a dead fish can go with the flow.

Thought starters

Make the preferred option the standard path to follow

Highlight the benefits people may miss out on if they select other options

Explain why many other people opt for this option in a similar situation

Try combining this with (O7) Social norms – descriptive norms.