Progressive Disclosure

After a vague image prompt produces a result, you could progressively disclose how to refine it, rather than front-loading prompt tips before the first attempt.

Example from

On an action step, you could keep the core task visible and add a subtle nudge to scroll and learn how the feature works, as an opt-in layer of progressive disclosure.

DICE app UI: black background, cartoon trumpet icon. Spotify and Apple Music buttons. "↓ HOW DOES SYNCING WORK? ↓" underlined in white, circled and arrow pointing to expanded syncing info text.

Example from

Dice

Once a device is connected, you could experiment with progressively disclosing lesser-known gestures, then prompting users to switch those features on.

Example from

Apple

Possible impacts

Disclosing features at the moment they become relevant could increase feature usage, as users gain the context and understanding they need to try them.

As seen in:

Progressively revealing shortcuts and advanced options, rather than one crowded dashboard, might help users work more productively and efficiently.

As seen in:

Keeping the information horizon narrow could help hold users' attention and interest, with progressive disclosure giving them a reason to stay curious about what's next.

As seen in:

Dice A subtle way to learn more

Building a foundation before exposing complications may improve users' understanding of complex products, as progressive disclosure lets them learn one layer at a time.

As seen in:

Stuff Hiding the advanced onboarding

Tiimo I'm busy right now...

It's possible users form productive habits more easily when progressive disclosure lets them start with a small routine, then add new steps over time without overload.

As seen in:

FocusPomo Tilting your rewards

Written by Peter Ramsey

Consultant to 100+ companies

Published: 01/09/2023

How to utilise this in your designs

You could tuck advanced items into a collapsed section of an onboarding checklist, so progressive disclosure also teaches users that sections can expand.

Example from

Stuff

Try waiting until a user repeats a slow action, e.g., holding a key to nudge an item, then progressively disclose the faster shortcut in that moment.

Example from

After a vague image prompt produces a result, you could progressively disclose how to refine it, rather than front-loading prompt tips before the first attempt.

Example from

On an action step, you could keep the core task visible and add a subtle nudge to scroll and learn how the feature works, as an opt-in layer of progressive disclosure.

Example from

Dice

Once a device is connected, you could experiment with progressively disclosing lesser-known gestures, then prompting users to switch those features on.

Example from

Apple

Possible impacts

Disclosing features at the moment they become relevant could increase feature usage, as users gain the context and understanding they need to try them.

As seen in:

Progressively revealing shortcuts and advanced options, rather than one crowded dashboard, might help users work more productively and efficiently.

As seen in:

Keeping the information horizon narrow could help hold users' attention and interest, with progressive disclosure giving them a reason to stay curious about what's next.

As seen in:

Dice A subtle way to learn more

Building a foundation before exposing complications may improve users' understanding of complex products, as progressive disclosure lets them learn one layer at a time.

As seen in:

Stuff Hiding the advanced onboarding