What is Progressive Disclosure?
A design pattern that sequences information and options across time, showing only what is relevant at each stage and revealing complexity as the user needs it. Rather than overwhelming with everything upfront, progressive disclosure respects cognitive limits and guides attention: simple first, detailed on demand.
My perspective
In practice
Useful in both UX design and AI interaction design. In interfaces: show three options, not thirty. In onboarding: teach one concept per step. In AI agents: surface a summary first, offer the full analysis on request. Progressive disclosure also applies to consulting: a transformation roadmap that reveals phase two only after phase one is understood builds confidence and reduces resistance. It applies anywhere attention is limited.