Progressive disclosure

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Link 9

Link 10

Progressive disclosure

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Link 9

Link 10

Progressive disclosure

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Profile

Link 9

Link 10

Read more links

Read More links are a type of progressive disclosure that reveals additional content when clicked, allowing the user to access more detailed information without leaving the current page. They are typically used for text-heavy content where displaying the full text upfront would overwhelm the user or clutter the interface.

In Cluster, Read More links can be particularly useful for displaying content previews or summaries, with the option to expand for more details.

Benefits and Use Cases
  • Reduces cognitive load. By hiding extra details behind a click, Read More links allow users to scan the main points before diving into more comprehensive information.

Example

In Cluster's content library, show brief summaries of articles or reports with Read More links to expand the full text.

  • Improves scannability. Showing only excerpts or summaries makes it easier for users to quickly skim the page and find content that interests them.

Example

On Cluster's dashboard, display truncated project descriptions with Read More links, allowing users to quickly scan multiple projects.

  • Keeps the page concise. Read More links keep the initial page shorter and less overwhelming while still providing access to all the content.

Example

In Cluster's AI-generated content summaries, show a condensed version with a Read More link to reveal the full analysis.

  • Works well for listings. For pages that list multiple articles or text-heavy items, Read More links can neatly truncate each item while giving users control over which ones they expand.

Example

In Cluster's team activity feed, use Read More links to truncate longer updates, allowing users to expand only the ones they're interested in.

Psychological Principles Supported
  • Filtering. Read More links allow users to filter out non-essential details on their initial scan of the page and focus only on the summary information.

Example

In Cluster's content analytics page, use Read More links to hide detailed metrics, allowing users to focus on high-level data and expand for more in-depth analysis as needed.

  • Recall. By keeping the main page concise and scannable, Read More links reduce the burden on users' memory as they don't need to process and recall every detail upfront.

Example

In Cluster's project overview, use Read More links for detailed project descriptions, allowing users to remember just the key points from the summary.

  • Efficiency. Users can efficiently access just the level of detail they need - the summary when scanning, or the full text when a particular item captures their interest.

Example

In Cluster's content creation workflow, use Read More links to provide quick access to writing guidelines or best practices, allowing users to efficiently access this information only when needed.

Implementation Guidelines

DONT

Cut off the excerpt mid-sentence or mid-thought, as this is jarring for users

Use vague link text like "More..." that doesn't clearly communicate the action

Hide essential information that is needed to understand the main content

Overuse on short content where a Read More link is unnecessary

Have expanded content push other page elements around in a disorienting way

Force the user to scroll back up to collapse the content again

DO

Ensure the excerpt provides enough context for users to evaluate their interest

Use clear, action-oriented language for the Read More link like "Read Full Article"

Position the link at the end of the excerpt so the continuity is clear

Consider making the entire excerpt or title clickable in addition to the link

Ensure smooth expand/collapse transitions to maintain context

Provide a way to re-collapse the content after expanding