Doherty Threshold
Productivity soars when a computer and its users interact at a pace (<400ms) that ensures that neither has to wait on the other.
When to Use
Optimize response times
Aim for system response times under 400ms to maintain user engagement and productivity.
Provide immediate feedback
Give users instant visual feedback for their actions, even if the full response takes longer.
Maintain flow state
Keep interactions fast enough to prevent users from losing focus or becoming frustrated.
When to Avoid
Don't sacrifice quality for speed
While speed is important, don't compromise on the quality or accuracy of responses.
Origin
The Doherty Threshold was identified by Walter J. Doherty and Ahrvind J. Thadani in 1982. Their research showed that when computer response times are below 400ms, users become more engaged and productive. Above this threshold, users start to notice delays and their productivity decreases. This finding has become a benchmark for interface responsiveness.