Default flag state: checked or unchecked?

Question

I have an application settings page with a bunch of flags. How can I select the default state of the checkboxes?

I see the following options:

• Always set the default state to unchecked, but this leads to negative statements in the text of the flag (for example, "Do not automatically show appropriate schedules"), which is sometimes difficult to understand.

• Always use flag text to have a positive value (for example, “Automatically show appropriate schedules”), but this leads to inconsistent default states by default, both verified and unverified.

• ... any other options?

Any recommendations, recommendations and recommendations on this issue?

Answer 1

These are my "rules" for this:

• Make all statements "positive", therefore, "automatically show the corresponding schedules", and not "do not show the schedules automatically"
• Make the default configuration what it should be for most use cases, even if it looks like you have scattered ticks and non-ticks on the configuration screen.
• Group settings together, whether with tabset / group elements or tabs
• Use the best user interface element for the job. For example: Tri-state flags are not very intuitive, and providing a drop-down list or a set of three radio buttons is more acceptable for those who are less technically inclined.

So - Option 2 from your list =)

Answer 2

Definitely the number 2. Flags should always have a positive meaning. If this means that some of your default values ​​are checks and some are not, then this is not a problem in my opinion.

Answer 3

I would choose 2. I see no reason why all checkboxes should be checked by default. Choose the state that the user is most likely to want (or cause the least damage) and the text that is easiest to understand.

Answer 4

Personally, I would keep the default state along with the text. Unfortunately, some people are very picky about what out vs optin in chooses, so there is no easy way to get human-readable text and things installed by default only one at a time.

In addition, if there is no default value, this forces users to actually read what they receive or exit.

Answer 5

All I would like to add to the other answers is if you want the user to make a choice instead of accepting your default, use a couple of radio buttons (none of them are selected) and require them to choose one continuation .

I should note that this is a radical approach, and I would use it only when there is a critical option that the user should carefully consider before choosing.