What do Progress Indicators communicate to users?

Progress indicators primarily serve to inform users about how much progress has been made through a process. They provide a visual cue that illustrates the current state of advancement in tasks that often involve multiple steps, such as filling out forms, completing onboarding processes, or downloading files. This communication is vital for user experience because it helps set expectations, reduces uncertainty, and enhances satisfaction by showing that progress is being made towards completion.

When users can see their progress visually, it can motivate them to continue and provides reassurance that they are moving forward in the task at hand. This is particularly important in longer processes, where users might otherwise feel uncertain about how much longer they need to engage. The clear indication of progress also helps mitigate frustration and encourages continued interaction, as users can gauge their efforts leading them to a successful outcome.