Doherty Threshold

The Doherty Threshold states that productivity soars when a computer and its users interact at a pace of less than 400 milliseconds. When the system responds within this timeframe, users remain engaged and are not forced to wait, which leads to a more seamless and efficient experience.

To meet the Doherty Threshold, designers and developers should:

• Provide immediate feedback: Acknowledge user actions within 400ms to keep their attention.
• Use perceived performance: When a process takes longer than 400ms, create the illusion of speed. This can be done with techniques like:
  • Animations: Engaging visuals can distract users while the system is working in the background.
  • Progress bars: These make wait times more tolerable by showing that the system is still working. Even inaccurate progress bars can be effective.
• Consider strategic delays: In some cases, adding a slight delay to a process can increase its perceived value and build trust. For example, a short delay before confirming a payment can make the process feel more secure.