Why are progress bars inaccurate?
Well, it's because progress bars work by measuring the number of individual tasks needed to complete an operation, and then comparing how many are done to how many are left. This results in an uneven progress bar because some tasks take longer than others.
Are progress bars accurate?
Progress bars are undoubtedly a great tool in accurately showcasing how far along a respondent is in a survey. However, online surveys that include extensive routing can mislead a respondent because the scale of the progress bar will adjust accordingly and not always progress as expected.
Are progress bars important?
Progress bars have a single purpose – to inform the respondent on approximately how much more time it might take to finish the survey. This single most important element can greatly add to the success of your market research.