Hiddenexpanded

Hiddenexpanded is a user interface pattern in which additional content remains concealed by default but can be revealed through a user action. The term blends hidden and expanded to describe a single control that toggles the visibility of a target region. It is commonly used to support progressive disclosure, keeping interfaces compact while providing access to details, options, or related content when requested by the user.

In practice, a hiddenexpanded interaction is typically initiated by a control such as a button or link. The control communicates the current state, often through an ARIA attribute like aria-expanded, and the target content is shown or hidden in response. The pattern emphasizes accessibility and performance: content can be loaded lazily, animations can smooth the transition, and screen readers can announce the change when properly labeled. Designers also consider how to maintain a clear relationship between the control and the content, using aria-controls or DOM structure to reflect that relationship.

Common considerations include ensuring keyboard operability, managing focus when content is revealed, and keeping the control and the revealed content semantically connected. Choices include instant visibility or animated transitions such as slide or fade effects, and decisions about height-based versus display-based changes. The approach is influenced by content depth and performance constraints, along with the desired balance between immediacy and detail.

Hiddenexpanded is not a formal standard but appears in UI/UX discussions as part of progressive disclosure and general interface decluttering. It is often contrasted with permanently visible sections or fully collapsed content. Related concepts include progressive disclosure, collapsible sections, and WAI-ARIA guidelines for accessible dynamic content.