Why Doesn't Microsoft Let Me Sleep? How Automaticity of Windows Updates Impacts User Autonomy

Abstract

'Automating the user away' has been designated as a dark pattern in literature for performing tasks without user consent or confirmation. However, limited studies have been reported on how users experience the sense of autonomy when digital systems fully or partially bypass consent. More research is required to understand what makes automaticity a threat to autonomy. To address this gap, a qualitative interview study with 10 users was conducted to investigate the user experience of Microsoft Windows updates. It was found that ten design features of Windows updates impact the autonomy experience. For each design feature, the contextual factors which influence its impact on autonomy were also noted. The findings of this paper can help designers understand the ethical concerns posed by automaticity in design and identify measures to mitigate these concerns.