Getting to 80%

Cognitive Load is the working memory needed to complete a task. Showing “24m to 80%” reduces cognitive load by giving a clear, simple wait time so users don’t have to keep checking or guessing.

The Planning Fallacy is when people underestimate how long things take. Apple’s time-to-80% message sets realistic expectations, which helps stop users from feeling annoyed if charging takes longer than they hoped.

Doherty Threshold says slow feedback makes people lose interest. By giving a real-time estimate, Apple keeps users engaged and less likely to get bored or frustrated while waiting for their phone to charge.

Apple Watch syncing uses a similar pattern by showing a progress circle and messaging that it’s safe to do something else. Both reassure users during passive waits, making the process feel less stressful.

Lego.com order progress uses animated Lego heads to show order status. Both Apple and Lego make waiting easier by providing visible progress, which lowers anxiety and keeps users informed.