MENTAL MODEL · M3514

Progressive Enhancement

SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

First build core functionality for the lowest-end devices/browsers (baseline), then add richer interactions for devices that support advanced features (enhancement). This is the opposite of "graceful degradation" (build the perfect version first, then patch up the broken parts).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Inclusive design. When creating products or policies, first ensure that the most vulnerable groups (elderly, low-bandwidth users) can use it, then add enhancements for high-end users. This ensures maximum coverage and resilience of the system.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Progressive Enhancement: First ensure that basic content/functionality is available in any environment (semantic HTML), then layer styles, scripts, and advanced interactions on top according to browser capabilities; this is the opposite direction of "graceful degradation", emphasizing robustness and accessibility.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Write semantic structure with content as the core
use CSS to enhance presentation but not depend on it
use JS to enhance interaction and allow operation without JS
detect capabilities layer by layer.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_enhancementZH · Explicit
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