I am currently reviewing a web application design which involves taking
users through a wizard with a VARIABLE number of steps.  One of my
recommendations is to provide visual feedback to users and if possible,
show the number of steps, the name of each step and what step the user
is on.

However, the variable number of steps makes this difficult (as depending
on the user selection in step 3, users may either step 4 or step 5. i.e.
1>2>3>4>5>6 or
1>2>3>5>6

I have seen many good examples of progress meters but not for
wizards/processes with variable steps.

One option would be just to provide them a progress bar or thermometer
with no step numbers or step names (suggested on this list in 2001 in
regards to the same issue).  However, I would like to give the user more
information if possible.

I welcome any ideas or examples of how others have dealt with this
issue. Please send replies directly to me and I will post a summary.

regards
Tania Lang
Peak Usability
Brisbane, Australia
www.peakusability.com.au

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