Lab experiment · 2004

If Not Now, When? The Effects of Interruption at Different Moments Within Task Execution

Adamczyk PD, Bailey BP

What it found

Interruptions were placed at different points inside a task, chosen from a model of mental workload. Where in the task the interruption landed changed how people felt and how they judged the interrupter.

Where the evidence stops

Lab tasks, short sessions.

How it shapes Pursue

Pursue

The same message lands differently depending on the moment inside a task.

A design input, not evidence that Pursue works.

Cited in

  1. 01Why is it so hard to get back to work after an interruption?Because part of your attention stays with the task you left. Sophie Leroy's 2009 experiments at the University of Minnesota call this attention residue: people who switched before finishing did worse on the next task, and a 2008 study by UC Irvine and Humboldt University researchers found interrupted people sped up to compensate, at the cost of more stress and frustration.Interruptions and attention

Tre-Up is built on this research.

Pursue, the AI inside Tre-Up, is designed to notice when your day starts to slip and offer one small next step. The iOS app is in development. Invitations go out in small groups; leave your email and we will contact you when yours is ready.

Your email is used only for your invitation and important product updates. It is never sold. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy