Users are less overwhelmed if they're exposed to complex features later.
<aside> ℹ️ Progressive disclosure is an interaction design pattern that sequences information and actions across several screens (e.g., a step-by-step signup flow). The purpose is to lower the chances that users will feel overwhelmed by what they encounter. By disclosing information progressively, interaction designers reveal only the essentials, and help users manage the complexity of feature-rich websites or applications.
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Progressive disclosure, according to usability expert Jakob Nielsen, involves hiding advanced or less-used features to make apps easier to use and less likely to cause mistakes. It's like starting with basic info and gradually revealing more detailed stuff.
But it's not just about showing info from simple to complex. In practice, it's about guiding users from easy tasks to harder ones. By revealing complex features only when asked, it creates two levels: one for most users to do tasks easily and another for advanced users who want more. This helps casual users work without trouble while still offering powerful options to those who need them.
Interaction designers have a tricky problem: users want both power and simplicity in software. People desire lots of features, yet they don't have time to learn them all in-depth. Progressive disclosure is a smart solution.
Here's how it works:
Think of the print dialog box as an example. Initially, it shows basic choices like the number of copies. But some print boxes have become overloaded with detailed options, which might be better hidden until users ask for them.
The initial print dialog box typically contains one or more buttons for advanced options. These buttons lead to secondary dialogs that let users specify rarely used settings, such as scaling and printing the pages in reverse sequence. If the user clicks the advanced options button, the system discloses the additional features.
<aside> 📌 This approach boosts three aspects of usability: learning, speed, and error reduction. Worries that focusing on core features limits understanding are unfounded. Research shows that prioritizing important features actually helps people understand systems better.
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