progressive-disclosure

Implement progressive disclosure patterns to reveal interface information incrementally.

5|Updated Oct 17, 2011

Search Tags:#ux design #ui design #progressive disclosure #information architecture #cognitive load #interface simplification

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/klen/dotfiles --skill progressive-disclosure-klen

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: progressive-disclosure
Source: https://github.com/klen/dotfiles/tree/main/.config/opencode/skills/progressive-disclosure
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/klen/dotfiles --skill progressive-disclosure-klen

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill addresses user overwhelm in complex interfaces by implementing progressive disclosure, ensuring users only see necessary information at each step.

Core Features & Use Cases

Reduces Cognitive Load: Hides complexity until needed, making interfaces more approachable.
Improves Usability: Guides users through multi-step processes or feature-rich environments.
Use Case: Designing an onboarding flow for a powerful software tool where advanced settings are hidden until the user explicitly seeks them.

Quick Start

Apply progressive disclosure principles to the user settings page, starting with essential options visible and hiding advanced configurations behind an "Advanced Settings" toggle.

Frequently Asked Questions about progressive-disclosure

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

What is progressive disclosure in UI design?▼

Progressive disclosure in UI design is a pattern that reveals information and actions incrementally to manage complexity. It hides advanced configurations until needed, reducing cognitive load and making feature-rich applications more approachable for users.

How do I design a user settings page to reduce cognitive load?▼

To reduce cognitive load on a user settings page, apply progressive disclosure by starting with essential options visible and hiding advanced configurations behind an "Advanced Settings" toggle. This simplifies interfaces by revealing information gradually as users request it.

When should I use progressive disclosure for onboarding flows?▼

Use progressive disclosure for onboarding flows when introducing a powerful software tool with advanced settings. It guides users through multi-step processes by hiding complexity until explicitly sought, improving usability and reducing initial overwhelm in feature-rich environments.

Does progressive disclosure work for complex forms and feature-rich applications?▼

Yes, progressive disclosure works effectively for complex forms and feature-rich applications. It manages interface complexity by revealing information incrementally, which reduces cognitive load and improves user experience without sacrificing access to advanced functionalities.

What are the limitations of progressive disclosure in interface simplification?▼

Limitations of progressive disclosure in interface simplification include the need for established design principles like clear hierarchy and affordances. Without proper user testing, hidden information might become difficult to discover, potentially frustrating users seeking advanced features.