In larger applications (as previously illustrated), it's likely that the number of features available can't easily be presented in a minimal user interface. When that's the case, application designers will have a new challenge in creating a smooth learning curve for new users. How can an application's user interface be designed both for a complex feature set and to be easy to learn by people who are new to the product?

Progressive disclosure is a technique for helping to focus a user's attention and facilitate learning a complex system. This is achieved by hiding functionality or data that isn't necessary to support the task at hand. Commonly, this is implemented by starting with a basic set of functionality visible and expanding as the user explores areas beyond the basics. Triggers to expand the functionality available may be accessing a new menu item, an Advanced button, or simply using the application for a certain time or adding sufficient data.