PPT Slide
It is apparent that notification of progress to the user is imperative
feedback for the user, whether it is for tracking progress on a goal,
realizing the time constraints needed for a task, remaining a feeling of connectedness to the system, etc.
The ingredients of a successful in progress icon seem to be:
a) visual icon that has a motion animation conveying
the progress on completing the desired operation.
b) accurate time estimates of task completion time.
c) the progress bar is used relative to time scale, meaning
the same size bar is used for 20 minutes and 30 seconds,
but the time is relative to goal progress.
d) the visual presentation can vary, see examples 1-4. But
the same rule applies for each, there is a beginning and
end to task, and it is visually obvious through animation
People know that their time is valuable, and are extremely protective of time wasted on bureaucratic issues. However, if a person is aware that their goal is being worked on, that by waiting just 30 more seconds they will be connected to their website, the user will wait.
This solution is general, it extends beyond computer interfaces,
beyond feedback from a computer operation performed by a user, to auditory communication schemes, where a user is waiting, for
example, for a DSL operator to complete her order.
Encourage interaction designers to use the in progress icon bar so that users know that the system is working for them, that their goal can (or cannot) be accomplished, and they know how long they have to wait in order to satisfy their goal. This solution will keep systems in business, and users aware.
…See IN PROGRESS PHONE SYSTEMS for reference
models. See MENU BAR, TOOLBARS for design
implementation. Also ICON DESIGN and code for successful design. Consider COLOR PALLETTE