Progressive Disclosure
Design Processes
Showing only what is needed now, and revealing the rest when it is asked for.
In practice
Progressive disclosure manages complexity by sequencing it: the common options are visible, the advanced ones sit behind a 'more' or appear when relevant, and each step reveals only what the next decision requires. It keeps interfaces approachable for most people without removing power from those who need it. Overdone, it hides things people are looking for; the skill is in judging what is truly secondary.
Questions
What is Progressive Disclosure?
Progressive disclosure is an interaction design technique that defers advanced or infrequently used information and controls to secondary views, presenting only essential elements by default.
Why do you use Progressive Disclosure?
Every visible option is a decision imposed on everyone. Deferring the rare ones makes the common path faster and the whole thing less intimidating.
How do you use/apply Progressive Disclosure?
Rank features by frequency and necessity, show the top tier by default, place the rest one deliberate step away, and make the path to them obvious.
When do you use Progressive Disclosure?
For any interface with more options than most users need most of the time — settings, editors, forms, onboarding.
Who uses Progressive Disclosure?
Product and interaction designers.
