Frederick Conrad
ABSTRACT
Designers routinely provide feedback about task progress in order to persuade users not to abort the task (break off). However little is known about the effectiveness of such "progress indicators." Two experiments are presented that evaluate progress indicators in web surveys. In the first, progress is displayed at different speeds. When the early feedback is slow, break-off rates are higher and users' subjective experience more negative than when early feedback is fast. In the second experiment, intermittent presentation seems to minimize the costs while preserving the benefits of feedback. Overall, progress indicators can increase completion rates. However, not using them should be as deliberate a decision as using them.
- Couper, M., Traugott, M.& Lamias, M. (2001). Web survey design and administration. Public Opinion Quarterly, 65, 230--253.Google Scholar
Cross Ref
- Crawford, S.D., Couper, M. P., & Lamias, M. J. (2001) Web Surveys: Perception of burden. Social Science Computer Review, 19,146--162. Google ScholarDigital Library
Index Terms
- Impact of progress feedback on task completion: first impressions matter
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