Apply privacy in product design

Apply Privacy in Product Design

GDPR and CPRA both require privacy by design and by default. This means privacy is not an afterthought but is built into products, features, and workflows from the very beginning. Designing with privacy at the core reduces compliance risks and builds user trust.

Privacy by Default

• Enable the most privacy-protective settings as the default.

• Require users to opt in to sharing or tracking, rather than opting out.

• Collect the minimum amount of data necessary for functionality.

Embed Privacy in Development

• Add privacy review steps into the product lifecycle.

• Require design and engineering teams to document data needs and lawful bases.

• Flag new features for compliance review before release.

Transparency in UX

• Provide clear notices when data is collected.

• Use plain language instead of legal jargon.

• Offer simple controls for users to manage preferences.

Example: Analytics Dashboard Feature

Instead of automatically collecting all user activity, a SaaS product only logs essential usage metrics by default, provides an opt-in for additional analytics, and clearly explains what data is tracked.

Implementing Privacy in Practice

Privacy settings UI

<label>
  <input type="checkbox" name="share_usage" value="yes">
  Allow my usage data to improve the product
</label>

Feature flag for data collection

if user.opted_in("analytics"):
    collect_extended_metrics(user)

Privacy review template

Feature: New Analytics Dashboard
Data Collected: Page views, device type
Purpose: Improve performance
Lawful Basis: Consent
Retention: 12 months
Risks: Low
Reviewer: Privacy Lead

Quick Privacy by Design Checklist

• Default to minimal data collection

• Include privacy review in product development lifecycle

• Provide clear and accessible privacy controls for users

• Document the purpose, basis, and retention for new features

• Regularly audit product features for compliance risks

Conclusion

Applying privacy in product design makes compliance sustainable. By baking privacy into defaults, workflows, and user experiences, companies prevent costly retrofits, protect users, and strengthen trust in their products.