Design Principles for Visual Progress Bars to Improve Motivation in Online Learning

Outlet Title

AMCIS 2025 Proceedings: Game Design & Research for Business and Society

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Visual progress bars are a strategy for gamifying online education. They set user expectations by tracking and displaying user progress or waiting time. However, little research exists on the design of this tool, especially in relation to gamifying online learning. This research answers the following research question: What are progress bar design principles to improve motivation? The research utilized the Design Science Research Model to create progress bar design principles based on motivational mechanics, motivational affordance, and user experience. Existing literature, feedback from focus groups, and user feedback were used to shape and refine these principles. The design principles were evaluated by using a prototype incorporating the design principles, which was provided to college students for review. The research provides 10 design principles for progress bar design, dealing with color, shape, text, placement, and animation to improve motivation in online learning environments. Keywords Gamification, progress bar, design principles, motivation, online education.

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