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
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.