The Doherty Threshold describes the maximum waiting time that a user will accept before perceiving a system's responsiveness as inadequate. Within this threshold, the user remains patient and satisfied with the interaction, while longer waiting times can lead to frustration and abandonment of the application. Understanding this threshold is essential for designing efficient and user-friendly interfaces, as it guides users' expectations of the speed and responsiveness of an application.
Origin
Doherty's threshold was introduced by Michael J. Doherty in 1984 when he was studying the importance of response times in human-computer interaction. Doherty found that there is a specific time frame within which users perceive a system-related response as acceptable. Doherty found that a fast system response of under 400 milliseconds puts the user in a productive flow, as action and reaction mesh almost seamlessly. This promotes efficiency and positive user experience.
- Doherty, M. J. (1984). Response Time in Human-Computer Interaction.
Application in UX and UI design
Taking the Doherty Threshold into account in the design process enables UX and UI designers to develop interfaces that meet user expectations in terms of speed and efficiency. By optimizing loading times, minimizing delays in interactions and implementing progress indicators, designers can ensure that response times remain within the acceptable threshold. This increases user satisfaction and reduces the probability of dropouts.
However, it is important to note that the Doherty Threshold can vary depending on the context and user group. In certain applications, such as real-time systems or complex tasks, the expectations for response time may be higher. Furthermore, there is criticism that the threshold is not universally applicable and that cultural or individual differences may be ignored.
A practical example is the optimization of websites for mobile devices, which often have poorer internet access than computers. Fast loading times due to small amounts of data are crucial for a user-friendly experience. By using techniques such as lazy loading, resource compression and efficient caching strategies, publishers can ensure that interaction times remain within the Doherty Threshold, resulting in a better User Experience and higher conversion rates.
