PPT Slide
…In INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, a user and the system communicate via input and output. A user can communicate indirectly, with either a VISUAL INTERFACE or an indirect VERBAL OPERATING SYSTEM.
The in progress icon is a way of providing feedback on task progress to users who are relying upon visual interfaces or non-verbal (non-human) operating systems for tracking goal achievement.
Progress tracking has become of increasing importance with the invent of operating systems, whether your goal is gaining access to a web site, opening an application, downloading an MP3 file, reaching a phone operator at your banking company, etc. That simple notification that you are half-way there, that you are almost there, that you have not even waited 1/4 the time, or simply that you are still connected to the operating system is helpful for both the user and the business of the operator.
Take for example, the MP3 club you want to connect to. You enter in the URL, press return and you wait. No activity occurs on your open page. You check your connection and everything is fine. You wait 30 more seconds and still nothing happens. You try connecting to another website with the same service and you see that you are just about connected by the half filled progress bar in the lower right corner. This gives you hope, you continue to use this page and do not return to the “dysfunctional” first MP3 club.
Examples of In Progress Icons