Progressive disclosure
The technique of presenting only essential options up front and revealing advanced ones in steps, as the user signals they need them.
Example usage
“The export dialog uses progressive disclosure — format and destination up front, codec settings behind ‘Advanced.’”
Editor’s note
Progressive disclosure is how complex tools stay approachable without lying about their depth. It fails in both directions: bury daily-use controls and you’ve added a click to everyone’s day; disclose nothing and the first screen is a cockpit. The craft is knowing which fifth of the options serves four-fifths of the sessions.