Transition time
Transition time (sometimes called dead time) is the wasted time between activities or events during which nothing has been planned or can take place. An example would be the spare time between appointments, waiting for latecomers to arrive before a meeting can begin, waiting for the next steel member to be craned to the appropriate position before frame assembly can resume, or waiting for the next paper to be given at a conference.
Transition time may be too short to be used effectively, which can result in people hanging around, waiting for a critical event to happen before the main activities can be resumed. But it can often be useful for completing minor tasks which, if left unattended, can pile up.
Depending on the activity, it may be possible to make effective use of transition time, e.g writing emails on the train to work or listening to management podcasts while driving. Typically, if transition time slots last around 10 or 15 minutes, they can offer the opportunity to save time elsewhere by completing tasks such as writing letters and memos, proofreading pages, recording ideas, reading and sending emails and planning next week’s activity schedule.
Making constructive use of transition time can form part of an ongoing time management strategy. For instance, it may be possible to identify upcoming transition time in advance and plan on how it may be used effectively. Some time management textbooks advise keeping a transition-time folder to be used when dead time arises.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.