I wonder how much of my life will be spent watching progress bars? Maybe I don’t want to know.
The next time you’re staring at a progress bar, take a good look at it. Does it seem like its going fast or slow? What kind of image effects are being implemented? Have you ever thought about it before?
I sure haven’t, until now:
Simple optical illusions can make it seem like the progress bars on your file downloads are moving faster than they actually are. Ripple effects and pulses of light are among the tricks computer programmers can use to keep you waiting those extra seconds.
Check it out:
[via NewScientist]
Jason Bradley says
I know that users really want to know that something is happening, especially after clicking on a button. Sometimes it takes a while before the client is notified that a server side call or function is done. I think the progress bar gives a user some indication that something is happening and it helps eliminate the reflex on clicking something again.
Eric Dye says
I think you’re totally, right!
I’ve looked over the shoulder of some computer users that are … well … “click-happy” … it is the subtle things, the polish, that makes a program, product, etc … stand above the rest.
Even if it’s just a progress bar.
Andy Darnell says
Very nice video. It got me thinking about how others (God too) sees progress in our lives. Do they see some visual indication that we’re progressing/growing.
Eric Dye says
Nice tie-in, FTW!!!
I think when people look at us, sometimes there may be “optical illusions” that make us appear as though we are progressing/growing faster than we really are. When God look at us, however, He knows EXACTLY how much further we have to go before “Installation Complete!” (unlike Windows XP).