Progressive Disclosure Documentation Technique
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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.
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- 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.
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- 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.