Mask Interaction Delays with Progress Indicators

Summary: In case of slow response times in a user interface, indicate that the wait time will soon be over by showing an animation. For longer delays use a percent-done indicator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NtCdD3M-jQ

Related Article

Progress Indicators Make a Slow System Less Insufferable

Wait animations, such as percent-done bars and spinners, inform users of the current working state and make the process more tolerable to the user by reducing uncertainty. Users experience higher satisfaction with a site and are willing to wait longer when the site uses a dynamic progress indicator.

Video Author

Katie Sherwin is a Senior User Experience Specialist with Nielsen Norman Group. She specializes in helping organizations utilize principles of user-centered design and strategic communication to achieve their goals. 

Learn More

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get notified about future articles.

Videos