What it means on a web page
When users can see how close they are to completing a multi-step process, they tend to be more motivated to finish. Without progress feedback they cannot judge how much is left.
In a multi-step flow, people cannot estimate how much effort remains when progress is not shown.
This describes a general tendency. How much it matters on a particular page depends on the page and the people using it.
Does theuxbites check this?
Yes. Every audit runs a fixed check for it on the page as a browser renders it. When the check fails, the report names this principle, shows what was counted on your page and links the source below.
Suggestions
Add visible progress indicators to all multi-step flows. Show "Step 2 of 4" or a progress bar.
- Add a <progress> element or step counter to every multi-step form
- Show "Step X of Y" clearly at the top of each step
- Use a visual stepper component (circles or bar) for checkout and onboarding
- Consider pre-completing one step to trigger the goal-gradient (e.g. profile 20% complete)
- Show a summary of what has been completed so far
These are common ways to apply the principle, not rules. Whether one fits depends on your page.
See how your page does
An audit checks this principle and eight others on your page, together with speed, accessibility, SEO and AI visibility.