Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique

A Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique is a documentation presentation technique that reveals information in hierarchical layers from high-level overview to detailed specifics to manage cognitive complexity.

• AKA: Layered Documentation, Progressive Documentation, Hierarchical Information Disclosure, Graduated Complexity Documentation.
• Context:
  • It can typically structure Documentation Overview Layers through summary presentation.
  • It can typically organize Documentation Detail Layers through depth-based hierarchy.
  • It can typically implement Documentation Navigation Paths through progressive link structure.
  • It can typically manage Cognitive Load through incremental complexity introduction.
  • It can typically support User Skill Levels through expertise-based content layering.
  • It can often facilitate Quick Start Documentation through essential information prioritization.
  • It can often enable Deep Dive Documentation through comprehensive detail access.
  • It can often improve Documentation Accessibility through graduated learning paths.
  • It can often reduce Information Overwhelm through controlled detail exposure.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Two-Layer Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique to being a Multi-Layer Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique, depending on its depth level count.
  • It can range from being a Linear Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique to being a Non-Linear Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique, depending on its navigation flexibility.
  • It can range from being a Static Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique to being an Interactive Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique, depending on its user interaction model.
  • It can range from being a Text-Only Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique to being a Multimedia Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique, depending on its content format variety.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • README Progressive Disclosure, with project overview linking to detailed guides.
  • API Documentation Progressive Disclosure, from endpoint list to parameter details.
  • Tutorial Progressive Disclosure, from basic example to advanced techniques.
  • Configuration Documentation Progressive Disclosure, from default setting to customization options.
  • Architecture Documentation Progressive Disclosure, from system overview to component specifications.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Flat Documentation Structure, which presents all information equally.
  • Monolithic Documentation, which lacks hierarchical organization.
  • Reference-Only Documentation, which lacks progressive complexity.
  • Deep-Link Documentation, which lacks contextual introduction.
• See: Documentation Presentation Technique, Information Architecture Pattern, User Experience Design Pattern, Documentation Navigation Pattern, Cognitive Load Management, Documentation Structure Pattern, Information Hierarchy Design.

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