Progress

Steps and time left

Effort: Low

What to notice

A "3 of 4, about 1 minute left" indicator updates with every step.

How to build it

  1. Split the flow into three to five steps and mark the current one.
  2. Estimate time left from measured averages.
  3. Allow going back without losing input.

Measure

Main metric
Form completion rate
Guardrail
Drop-off at each step

When it backfires

A "1 minute left" that is far off breeds distrust.

Theory behind it

Goal-gradient effect

People speed up as they get closer to a goal.

Well supported

Goal-setting theory

Specific, challenging goals lead to better performance than "do your best."

Well supported