What is the name for the technique used on Yammer, LinkedIn etc profile pages?

Question

The technique I mean is where the profile page will say "You have completed 60% of your profile, fill in your x, y and z to get to 100%". I think this is a very powerful technique but I can't remember what it's called so I can't direct my boss to any articles about it. I think it ends in 'bar'.

Answer 1

The ui control or pattern for this is Completeness Meter (See the ui pattern for this). It's sometimes called a Progress Bar, but that term also has a much more generic use - such as in the case of a download percentage, and less specific to the sort of profile completeness you are talking about.

The underlying concept is that of Gradual Engagement. The profile completion percentage is a motivator to increase the amount of information given to the website, but essentially it's all about gradual engagement. Other terms include progressive disclosure but I prefer gradual engagement - especially since the term has stuck thanks to the likes of Luke Wroblewski - see his pages on this topic - and his preso on why sign up forms must die

Answer 2

It's a good question, as in trying to find an answer for you I'm struggling! :)

Not sure what the "official" term is but I've heard it called "profile completeness" (unsurprisingly).

When trying to sell this idea into clients I like to highlight a couple of things that I see as the key benefits of this approach...

Reducing barrier to entry = more opportunity to start a dialogue with Users
Obviously, being less intrusive, reduces your drop-off rate helping you to gather more registered users. Key point being, once they're in the door you can start a dialogue with your customers. Even a basic registration is infinitely more valuable than a page view.

Allows you to gather richer information
When done well, this approach allows you to gather much richer information about your user. Because you're offering a clear value - even if it is only cerebral - in-return for more information, Users feel more willing to part with their precious info. In this way it's actually a method of gamification, and I just read this blog by Jake Kuramoto which I think hits the nail on the head.

Also, on a side note, if you're looking for a comparison piece on the different registration options & when they work, try this article.