Subjectively Experienced Time and User Satisfaction: An Experimental Study of Progress Indicator Design in Mobile Application

Abstract

In the user’s interaction with systems, waiting and interruptions often constitute a source of negative experiences. However, system response time can be difficult or impossible to control, due to for example poor internet connection. This study explores “subjective experienced time”, which refers to the users’ assessment of system response timeliness. The aim of this study is to gain increased knowledge of user satisfaction and subjectively experienced time in interaction with mobile applications. Thirty participants used and evaluated three mobile applications, containing unique stimuli in progress indicators. The results show correlation between progress indicators’ degree of feedback and the subjectively experienced time and user satisfaction. Contributions include increased insight into the somewhat complex connection between the degree of feedback, subjectively experienced time and user satisfaction, as well as design implications for user-centred design.