The idea
In some goal-directed tasks, effort increases as people perceive themselves getting closer to a reward or finish. Progress must be understandable and the goal must matter to the person.
Why it matters
A lengthy process feels more manageable when people know what remains. Honest progress information helps them decide whether to continue now or return later.
A real-world example
A grant application shows three completed sections and two remaining sections, including which needs supporting documents. Saved work can be resumed later.
What this doesn’t mean
Do not invent progress, move the finish line or use completion pressure to extract unnecessary data. More engagement is not automatically a better outcome.
Try this.
Show completed work and remaining effort truthfully. Keep optional steps optional and provide a safe way to pause.
Sources & further reading
Our explanations and examples are original. These references provide the underlying research or design perspective.