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
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.