Set Time Limit & Remove Time Limit

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.

Set Time Limit

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

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
Duration	Number (integer)	Yes	Timer length in seconds (or milliseconds if specified). Example: 60 for 1 minute
Time Unit	String	No	Unit of measurement: `"seconds"` (default) or `"milliseconds"`

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.

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.

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.

Remove Time Limit

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

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
None	—	—	No parameters. Cancels any active timer

Example

Action: Remove Time Limit

The countdown timer stops immediately, even if time remains.

Best Practices

Show a timer UI

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

Use in onEntry

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

Plan timeout routes

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

Remove or handle timer completion

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

Test timer durations

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

Common Patterns

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.

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.

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.

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

Creator App

Workflow

Transitions

Variables

Actions — Training Control

Actions — Step Instructions

Actions — Media Playback

Actions — Object Manipulation

Actions — UI Control

Actions — Speed & Time

Actions — Training Feedback

Actions — Hand & Tool Visualization

Overview

Set Time Limit

When to Use

Parameters

Example 1: 60-Second Quiz Question

Example 2: Emergency Response Simulation (30 seconds)

Example 3: Quick-Response Challenge (5 seconds)

Remove Time Limit

When to Use

Parameters

Example

Best Practices

Common Patterns

Quiz with Time Limit

Emergency Response Scenario

Timed Practice Exercise

Timer Behavior

​Overview

​Set Time Limit

​When to Use

​Parameters

​Example 1: 60-Second Quiz Question

​Example 2: Emergency Response Simulation (30 seconds)

​Example 3: Quick-Response Challenge (5 seconds)

​Remove Time Limit

​When to Use

​Parameters

​Example

​Best Practices

​Common Patterns

​Quiz with Time Limit

​Emergency Response Scenario

​Timed Practice Exercise

​Timer Behavior

​Related Actions

Overview

Set Time Limit

When to Use

Parameters

Example 1: 60-Second Quiz Question

Example 2: Emergency Response Simulation (30 seconds)

Example 3: Quick-Response Challenge (5 seconds)

Remove Time Limit

When to Use

Parameters

Example

Best Practices

Common Patterns

Quiz with Time Limit

Emergency Response Scenario

Timed Practice Exercise

Timer Behavior

Related Actions