Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition

147 Progressive Disclosure

A method of managing complexity in which only necessary or requested information is displayed.

Progressive disclosure involves separating information into multiple layers and only presenting layers that are necessary or relevant. It is primarily used to prevent information overload and is employed in computer user interfaces, instructional materials, and the design of physical spaces.1

Progressive disclosure keeps displays clean and uncluttered and helps people manage complexity without becoming confused, frustrated, or disoriented. For example, infrequently used controls in software interfaces are often concealed in dialog boxes that are invoked by clicking a More button. People who do not need to use the controls ...