Algorithm Processing Status

Application

Problem:

The algorithm may take a while to deliver a result. While this is happening, the user wants to know what is taking place.

Example from Webscore AI of a progress bar updating status of task while the AI operates
The AI-powered application provides both a progress bar and a more granular explanation for the time it is taking in note-form below the bar.

Solution:

The system provides granular progress messages during calculations. 

Discussion:

This is important both for the transparency of the system—to reassure the user that the system is operating and hasn't stalled—and to create the impression of an intelligent system with many moving parts. In some cases where there is no actual processing delay, it may even be beneficial to simulate one (as with Demonstrating Thinking). By contrast, sometimes it may undermine the overall impression of the system to expose its workings and over-explain (in which case Appropriate Magic might be deployed).