Microsoft Design Tactics and Browser Choice

This report examines how Microsoft’s design practices in Windows and Edge influence user choices regarding web browsers. Authored by Dr. Harry Brignull and Cennydd Bowles, the report investigates harmful design patterns that restrict user autonomy and promote Microsoft Edge over alternative browsers. It identifies specific tactics such as Preselection, Visual Interference, Trick Wording, and Obstruction that Microsoft employs to skew user decisions. The authors conclude that these practices lead to consumer harms, including a distortion of choice and emotional distress, as well as broader social and market harms. The report calls for regulatory intervention to address these issues if Microsoft does not cease these harmful practices. The findings are supported by a taxonomy of harmful design patterns and reflect a growing concern over the ethical implications of design in technology.