Outgrow Progress Bars: Guide & Use Cases

Outgrow now offers a variety of progress bars to enhance user experience and visually communicate progress within your interactive content. This document teaches you how to add a progress bar in your content from the Settings section.

Progress Bar Types

Here's a breakdown of each type and their ideal use cases:

A. Top Row:

1. Essential Linear Progress Bar: A simple horizontal bar filled to indicate progress. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Quizzes: Show overall quiz completion percentage.

b. Surveys: Display how much of the survey has been answered.

c. Calculators: Indicate progress through calculation steps.

2. Labeled Progress Bar with Steps: A horizontal bar with current step number and total steps displayed. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Multi-step forms: Clearly show users where they are in the form filling process.

b. Onboarding flows: Guide users through a series of steps.

c. Product Recommendation Quizzes: Highlight the current question number and total questions

3. Stepped Progress Bar with Fills: A series of circles or bubbles that fill in as the user progresses. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Linear processes with distinct stages.

b. Course progress indicators

c. Funnels or customer journeys

B. Middle Row:

1. Shadowed Linear Progress Bar: A horizontal bar with a subtle shadow effect to add depth. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Similar to the Basic Linear Progress Bar, but with a more visually engaging design.

b. It can be used for any content type where a progress bar is needed.

2. Segmented Progress Bar: A horizontal bar divided into segments, each representing a step or section. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Complex forms or processes with multiple sections.

b. Project management tools within Outgrow.

c. Detailed onboarding flows with different stages

3. Labeled Linear Progress Bar with Percentage: A horizontal bar showing progress with a percentage label. Some of it's use cases are:

a. File uploads: Indicate upload completion percentage.

b. Long calculations: Show the progress of complex computations.

c. Any process where precise progress tracking is beneficial.

C. Bottom Row:

1. Labelled Linear Progress Bar with Percentage at Bottom: Similar to the previous one, but with the percentage label positioned below the bar. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Scenarios where space above the bar is limited.

b. To maintain visual clarity if other elements are placed above the progress bar.

2. Numbered Stepped Progress Bar with Connector: A horizontal sequence of numbered circles connected by lines, highlighting the active step. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Multi-step processes with clear sequential steps.

b. Checkout flows.

c. Guided tutorials or walkthroughs.

3. Numbered Stepped Progress Bar without Connector: Similar to the previous one, but without connecting lines between the steps. Some of it's use cases are:

a. Similar to the connected version, but can imply less rigid sequence between steps.

b. May be suitable for processes where users can jump between steps.

Benefits of Using Progress Bars

Enhanced User Experience: Clear visual feedback on progress keeps users engaged and motivated.
Reduced Drop-offs: Users are more likely to complete forms or processes when they know how far they've come and what's left.
Improved Clarity: Progress bars help break down complex processes into manageable steps.
Versatility: The variety of progress bar styles allows you to choose the best fit for your content and goals.

Tips for Effective Progress Bar Usage

Choose the right type: Select the progress bar that best matches the structure and flow of your content.
Keep it simple: Avoid overwhelming users with too much information or complex visuals.
Provide context: Use labels or numbers to clearly indicate what each step or segment represents.
Customize the appearance: Match the progress bar's style to your overall design for a cohesive look.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at [email protected], and we will be happy to help.