{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20260920-75ad787a",
  "url": "/knowledge/make-the-safe-routine-action-the-default",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0484",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Make the safe routine action the default",
  "summary": "Defaults spend less vigilance than reminders.",
  "kind": "heuristic",
  "body": "Preselect or preconfigure the preferred safe path when it is correct for the majority of cases and easy to review. Require an explicit opt-out for exceptions and record the reason when stakes justify it. The default should reduce routine omission without hiding meaningful choice.",
  "limits": [
    "Defaults can manipulate behavior and can be dangerous when case variation is substantial; use them transparently."
  ],
  "topics": [
    "union-human-factors-error-resistant-work"
  ],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "RS-F065C485431B7CE1"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "AHRQ reliability guidance identifies safe defaults as a way to make the preferred action easier while still permitting explicit opt-out when appropriate.",
      "source_id": "RS-F065C485431B7CE1",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Defaults can become coercive or wrong when the preferred action depends strongly on context.",
      "locator": "Default action"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "Most cases should follow one safer or more reliable path but the interface starts from a neutral or risky state."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Defaults can manipulate behavior and can be dangerous when case variation is substantial; use them transparently."
  ],
  "example": "New automated agents begin read-only and require an explicit permission change for write access.",
  "check": "Routine cases reach the safer state without relying on users remembering to select it every time.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "RS-F065C485431B7CE1",
      "title": "Implement the VTE Prevention Protocol: Design Reliability Into the Process",
      "url": "https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/vtguide/guide5.html"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "from": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0484",
      "to": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0483",
      "type": "useful_with",
      "url": "/knowledge/use-a-forcing-function-for-the-irreversible-step"
    }
  ],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-76433B7AE15B054C",
      "title": "Design routine work so ordinary human slips do less damage",
      "url": "/collections/design-routine-work-so-ordinary-human-slips-do-less-damage"
    }
  ]
}