Design
Progressive Disclosure
Plain-language definitionA pattern that presents essential information first and reveals more detail when requested or useful. It reduces overload without removing access.
Why it matters
Use the term to make a better decision.
In practice, progressive disclosure matters when a team needs to connect a technical or creative choice to a visible change in clarity, performance, discovery, or conversion. The useful question is not whether the term sounds sophisticated. It is what decision it helps the team make.