Digital by Default  

When we talk about being “digital by default,” we’re referring to organizations that push digital channels as the primary—or in some cases, the only—way for customers to engage. The idea is to encourage digital adoption by making online self-service, AI chatbots, and automation the first point of contact. 

Governments and businesses have widely embraced this model to drive efficiency. Think of online banking, self-service checkouts, or government portals for tax filing. In many cases, these systems work well, offering faster resolution times and convenience.  

There is a down side - digital by default often prioritizes efficiency over experience. If customers struggle to find human assistance when needed, frustration builds. 

A classic example is customer support. Many companies have automated chatbots as the first line of interaction, but if a user can’t easily escalate to a live agent, they feel stuck.  

That’s where the risk lies—forcing digital over human support can alienate customers rather than empower them. 

Digital by Design  

Digital by design starts with customer needs first and builds digital solutions that enhance—not replace—human interaction. Instead of defaulting to digital channels, businesses design experiences that blend automation with seamless human support when necessary. 

Think about a company that uses AI to route customer inquiries efficiently. If a chatbot can solve a simple issue, great! But if the system detects frustration or complexity, it instantly connects the customer to a live agent with full context.  

That’s digital by design—where the customer journey is carefully mapped out, ensuring convenience without removing choice. 

Why It Matters  

Why does this distinction matter?  

Businesses that go digital by default without considering customer needs risk damaging loyalty. On the other hand, those that embrace digital by design create experiences that feel intuitive and frictionless. 

Three key takeaways for this conversation: 

1. Customer-centricity is key – Digital transformation should serve the customer - not just the company’s bottom line. 

2. Choice matters – Digital should enhance experiences, not limit them. Always provide an easy way to reach human support. 

3. Data-driven design – Use AI and analytics to understand customer behavior and fine-tune digital interactions accordingly. 

To wrap up 

As businesses and governments continue their digital transformation journeys, the question isn’t just how to implement digital tools, but why and for whom they are designed. Are you pushing digital interactions for efficiency’s sake, or are you designing them with customer experience in mind?