interaction design
Progressive disclosure
What is progressive disclosure?
Show people just what they need right now, and tuck the rest behind a clear next step. It keeps the first view simple without hiding anything permanently.
Also known as: staged disclosure
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The demo
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Progressive disclosure shows people just what they need right now, and tucks everything else behind a clear next step.
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Why it works: it keeps cognitive load low. Three choices are easier to face than thirty - so you meet the three first, and ask for the rest only if you want them.
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Where you meet it: "See more" links, setup wizards, the "Advanced" section in settings - and the button you've been tapping on this page.
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Notice what just happened: you didn't take this in all at once - you asked for each layer, one tap at a time. That's progressive disclosure, and you just did it to yourself.
Show people just what they need right now, and tuck the rest behind a clear next step - it keeps the first view simple without hiding anything permanently. Reveal detail as it becomes relevant, and a daunting wall of options turns into an easy, guided path. You can see and try this concept in action on this page.
Good disclosure feels like the interface read your mind. Bad disclosure feels like it hid the very thing you came for.
The trap is using it to hide things people actually need. Progressive disclosure is for deferring the rarely-wanted, not for burying the important stuff so a screen looks tidy in a portfolio shot.
My rule: if someone needs it to make the decision in front of them, it isn't a second layer. A "more options" link that hides the option most people came for is just a maze with good manners.