Progressive disclosure as the art of layered complexity

Published: June 8, 2025 · 2 min read

As developers when you're learning a new tool, it can often feel like you're handed the cockpit manual of an airplane without being told how to turn on the engine. For example, documentation can often be comprehensive, but it feels overwhelming. Where do you even begin when everything seems critical to know? Sometimes it's about getting users to that first win while designing an onboarding experience that makes developers feel capable and curious.

Progressive disclosure is a design principle rooted in guiding users by revealing complexity only when necessary. It's about delivering the right information, at the right time, in the right amount.

It's the perfect antidote to information overload. By using progressive disclosure, platforms can simplify learning journeys, expedite time to value in developer journeys, make intricate systems approachable, and empower developers to dive deeper at their own pace.

Progressive Disclosure as the Art of Layered Technical Content

Developer tools can be daunting and the learning curve can feel steep. Progressive disclosure addresses this by:

Reducing Cognitive Load: Developers don't need to understand every nuance of a system to get started. By focusing on essentials first, we keep the entry point approachable. Avoid introducing any new terms without a prior explanation.

Encouraging Exploration: When users can access more details as needed, they're more likely to engage and explore the system further.

Supporting Different Skill Levels: Progressive disclosure caters to both beginners and experts. Newbies get the basics without feeling overwhelmed, while experienced users can dig into the complexities they care about.

Best Practices for Progressive Disclosure

Start with the basics by ensuring that the first interaction is focused, clear, and achievable. Developers should experience early wins with as little friction as possible.

Let users choose depth through providing pathways for those who want more information, but keep them optional.

Provide context, not clutter by ensuring every piece of new concept introduced is explained early on.

Iterate based on feedback by observing how users interact with your information. Use heatmaps, scroll depths, and other tools to gather user engagement metrics.