The Doherty Threshold is a concept from the field of human-computer interaction, particularly relevant to the design and evaluation of computer interfaces. It was proposed by Walter J. Doherty and Ahrvind J. Thadani in their 1982 paper, “The Economic Value of Rapid Response Time.” The threshold refers to a specific time limit for system responsiveness in user interfaces – about 400 milliseconds (0.4 seconds).
According to the Doherty Threshold, system response times of 400 milliseconds or less are ideal for keeping a user’s attention and maintaining a feeling of the system working interactively with the user. If the response time is longer than this threshold, users may lose focus or become impatient, leading to a decrease in productivity and user satisfaction.
The principle behind the Doherty Threshold is that when the computer responds at a speed that feels instantaneous to users, it creates a more seamless and engaging interaction. This principle has been influential in the design of software and web interfaces, emphasizing the importance of fast response times for a positive user experience. It’s a key consideration in UX (User Experience) design and remains relevant in today’s context where user expectations for speedy interactions have only increased.