User Experience

Loading State

Plain English

When something is loading.

Definition

A loading state is a UI condition shown while content or is being fetched or processed.

In practice

Used to indicate progress and prevent users from thinking the is unresponsive.

The reality

Poor loading states make feel slow or broken, even when they are working correctly.

FAQ

Common questions

A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.

What is a loading state?

It is shown when a is processing or fetching .

Why are loading states important?

They reassure users that something is happening.

What makes a good loading state?

Clear and a sense of progress.

What happens without a loading state?

Users may think the is broken.

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Previous feedback

Will Parkhouse

Senior Content Designer

01/20