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Overview

Use Set Time Limit to start a countdown timer for a training state. When the timer expires, a configurable event fires, allowing you to route the learner to a timeout state or apply consequences. Use Remove Time Limit to cancel an active timer. Timers are useful for creating urgency, simulating real-world constraints, and preventing learners from taking unlimited time on assessments.

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Set Time Limit

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When to Use

  • Timed assessments — Limit time available to answer questions
  • Timed challenges — Create pressure-based scenarios (e.g., “respond within 30 seconds”)
  • Emergency simulations — Model real-world time constraints
  • Workflow efficiency — Measure and reward quick, accurate performance
  • Compliance training — Enforce time requirements for specific procedures

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Parameters

ParameterTypeRequiredDescription
DurationNumber (integer)YesTimer length in seconds (or milliseconds if specified). Example: 60 for 1 minute
Time UnitStringNoUnit of measurement: "seconds" (default) or "milliseconds"

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Example 1: 60-Second Quiz Question

Action: Set Time Limit
Duration: 60
Time Unit: "seconds"
The timer starts and counts down from 60 seconds. When it reaches zero, a timeout event fires.

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Example 2: Emergency Response Simulation (30 seconds)

Action: Set Time Limit
Duration: 30
Time Unit: "seconds"
The learner has 30 seconds to complete the emergency procedure before timeout.

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Example 3: Quick-Response Challenge (5 seconds)

Action: Set Time Limit
Duration: 5000
Time Unit: "milliseconds"
A very short 5-second timer for a quick-reaction challenge.

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Remove Time Limit

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When to Use

  • Cancel a timer after the learner completes the step successfully
  • Remove the timer before transitioning to an untimed state
  • Allow unlimited time after a timed challenge phase

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Parameters

ParameterTypeRequiredDescription
None——No parameters. Cancels any active timer

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Example

Action: Remove Time Limit
The countdown timer stops immediately, even if time remains.

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Best Practices

1

Show a timer UI

Display the countdown visually using Show Text or Show Panel so learners know time is running.
2

Use in onEntry

Start the timer in onEntry when the learner enters a timed state.
3

Plan timeout routes

Define a target state for the timeout event so timeouts don’t break the training flow.
4

Remove or handle timer completion

In onExit, either Remove Time Limit or let the timer fire its event to transition states.
5

Test timer durations

Verify your time limits are realistic for the task. Too short = frustration; too long = no pressure.

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Common Patterns

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Quiz with Time Limit

State: QuizQuestion1
  onEntry:
    → Set Time Limit (Duration: 60, Unit: "seconds")
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Question 1"
        Display Text: "Answer this question: {{question}}"
        Choices: [A, B, C, D]
        Billboard: true
    → Show Text "Time remaining: 60 seconds"

  transitions:
    - event: "choice-a"
      target: "QuizFeedback1"
    - event: "choice-b"
      target: "QuizFeedback1"
    - event: "choice-c"
      target: "QuizFeedback1"
    - event: "choice-d"
      target: "QuizFeedback1"
    - event: "timeout"
      target: "QuizTimeout"

  onExit:
    → Remove Time Limit
    → Hide Panel
    → Hide Text
The learner has 60 seconds to choose an answer. If time expires, the timeout event routes to a timeout state.

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Emergency Response Scenario

State: AlarmTriggered
  onEntry:
    → Set Time Limit (Duration: 45, Unit: "seconds")
    → Show Panel
        Title: "ALARM! Emergency Response Required"
        Display Text: "You have 45 seconds to shut down the equipment safely."
        Billboard: true
    → Set Interactable Objects (["emergency-button"], true)

  transitions:
    - event: "emergency-button-tapped"
      target: "EmergencyStopped"
    - event: "timeout"
      target: "EmergencyTimeout"

  onExit:
    → Remove Time Limit
    → Hide Panel
The learner must hit the emergency button within 45 seconds. A timeout indicates they failed the scenario.

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Timed Practice Exercise

State: AssemblyChallenge
  onEntry:
    → Set Time Limit (Duration: 120, Unit: "seconds")
    → Show Panel
        Title: "Quick Assembly Challenge"
        Display Text: "Assemble the components as fast as you can!"
        Billboard: true
    → Set Interactable Objects (["component-1", "component-2", "component-3"], true)

  transitions:
    - event: "assembly-complete"
      action:
        - Remove Time Limit
        - Record achievement "Completed in {{timeElapsed}} seconds"
      target: "AssemblyResults"
    - event: "timeout"
      target: "AssemblyChallengeTimeout"

  onExit:
    → Hide Panel
The learner races to complete the assembly. Completing early removes the timer; timeout routes to a “time’s up” state.

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Timer Behavior

  • Countdown — Timer counts down from the specified duration to zero
  • Automatic timeout event — When the timer reaches zero, a "timeout" event automatically fires
  • Non-blocking — Other interactions can occur while the timer runs
  • Single timer — Only one active timer per state (creating a new timer replaces the previous one)
  • Show Text — Display countdown or time-pressure messaging
  • Show Panel — Present quiz or challenge instructions
  • Pause Training — Optional: pause when time expires