Bridging the Gulf of Evaluation – Show Me What Just Happened

The best apps feel like they’re thinking with you. Click a button. Boom — something happens. Not just behind the scenes, but right in front of you: a spinner, a sound, a “Got it!” message.

That’s the magic of a well-closed #GulfOfEvaluation:
You know your action worked — and why!

🔄 You click “Submit.”
And… crickets.

No “Thanks!”
No spinner.
No confetti cannon.

Naturally, you click again. Then again.
Now you’ve sent your résumé to HR three times, and they think you’re either desperate or stuck in a #TimeLoop.

—

📚 In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, Don Norman calls this gap the Gulf of Evaluation:

“The amount of effort a person must exert to interpret the physical state of the system.”

Translation: “Did that thing I just did… actually do anything?”

—

🧭 Good design closes that gap with #ClearFeedback:

• ✅ A “Success!” toast slides in
• 📤 The email zooms into your Sent folder
• 🔄 Progress bars march proudly to 100%
• ✏️ Errors glow red and explain what’s wrong (no decoder ring needed)

Feedback doesn’t just inform — it #reassures.

—

📉 Why This Matters to Business Leaders

• 💸 Lowers training & #SupportCosts
• 💪 Increases #UserConfidence
• 📄 Prevents duplicate actions & data issues
• 🤝 Builds trust in your product and brand

—

✅ Great software gives users clarity, confidence, and closure.

Ask yourself:
• Is success obvious?
• Are error messages helpful, or cryptic?
• Do users feel in control—or like they’re guessing?

Because the best tools don’t just get the job done —
They give you a little wink that says: “Yep. Nailed it.” 😎