Understanding how users engage with your tasks is crucial to interpreting behavior. Two key metrics that help with this are time on task and total session time. Each of these provides valuable insights into how users interact with your study, helping you identify potential usability issues or areas of improvement.
⏱ Time on Task
"Time on task" refers to the duration a user spends actively completing a task, starting when the user clicks the “OK, I got it” button to begin. It does not include:
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The time spent reading the task instructions.
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The time spent waiting for the task or prototype to load.
This metric helps you assess:
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How long it takes users to understand the task once they’re ready to begin.
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Whether the task instructions are clear or too complex.
In the context of a block, time on task begins counting as soon as the participant clicks the "OK" button, which is presented alongside the task.
⌛ Total Session Time
"Total session time" refers to the entire duration from when the participant enters the study to when they complete the task or session. This time includes:
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The time it takes participants to read the task instructions.
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The loading time of the prototype or task.
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The time spent performing the task and any pauses for navigation or decision-making.
Total session time gives you a complete picture of how long it takes to complete the entire session, providing insights into the broader participant experience.
🔍 Why these metrics matter
Comparing time on task and total session time helps you identify potential usability issues. For example:
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A long time on task with low total session time might suggest that participants are struggling with instructions or confusion before starting the task.
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A high total session time compared to time on task might indicate that users are spending too much time navigating or hesitating during the task.
By analyzing both metrics together, you can identify pain points in your study’s flow and make data-driven adjustments to improve user experience.
💡 Tip: Understanding both time on task and total session time helps you optimize your study for clarity and efficiency.
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