Laws & Patterns
Cognitive Bias

Commitment and Consistency Principle

Users prefer to stay consistent with their previous actions and commitments.

Definition

This principle is based on the human tendency to align present actions with past behaviors and commitments. Users are more likely to continue a started action, remain on a chosen path, and interact consistently with an interface that matches their previous actions or stated beliefs.

Do

  • Provide feedback that reinforces users' decisions
  • Design flows that build on users' previous actions
  • Use default settings that align with typical user choices

Avoid

  • Do not change interface drastically without user's awareness
  • Do not ask users to make contradictory decisions
  • Do not introduce unexpected actions that conflict with users' previous decisions

When to apply

  • When users make selections or choices
  • When users are required to complete a multi-step process
  • When users are asked to commit to a decision

Related topics

Similar principles

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