Traditionally, slide presentations have commonly utilized the 4:3 aspect ratio, a standard influenced by conventional monitors and projectors. However, in 2013, Microsoft initiated a significant shift by altering the default slide size in PowerPoint to 16:9, propelling a rapid transformation. This adjustment capitalized on the growing prevalence of wider screens and contemporary displays, aligning with evolving technological norms. Drawing insights from a sample of over five thousand investor decks, it becomes apparent how a seemingly minor modification in default settings can spur a comprehensive transition in user behavior. This highlights the substantial influence that software defaults wield over user preferences and practices.
-Alex