User Experience
Progressive Disclosure
Plain English
Showing information step by step.
Definition
Progressive disclosure is a technique that reveals information and options gradually, showing what is needed at each stage and keeping the rest one deliberate step away. It manages complexity without removing glossaryCapabilityCapability refers to an organisation’s ability to perform a specific function or deliver a particular outcome.Open glossary term.
In practice
Used to reduce complexity by showing only relevant information at each stage.
In context
It is the honest answer to a complex product. Show what most people need, and put the rest one deliberate step away rather than on the same screen.
The reality
Overuse can hide important information or slow users down.
Compared with
Progressive Disclosure vs Hiding Content
Progressive disclosure glossarySignalsSignals are data points or triggers that indicate changes in user behaviour, context, or external factors.Open glossary term that more exists and how to reach it. Hiding removes it without a cue. The difference is whether the user knows there is anything behind the door.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is progressive disclosure?
It is revealing information gradually.
Why is it important?
It reduces complexity and glossaryCognitive LoadCognitive load is the amount of mental effort required for a user to understand and interact with a product. High cognitive load makes tasks harder, slower, and more error-prone.Open glossary term.
Where is it used?
Forms, onboarding, and complex glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term.
What is a risk?
Hiding important information.
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