How does progressive enhancement influence UI design decisions?

• A. Start with the most capable devices first and degrade for simpler devices.
• B. Build a separate version for mobile and desktop from scratch.
• C. Start with a robust baseline that works with minimal capabilities and enhance for capable devices.
• D. Delay accessibility features until after launch.

Answer: (C)

Progressive enhancement focuses on delivering a solid, usable experience to everyone, regardless of device or browser. It starts with a robust baseline that works with minimal capabilities—ensuring core content and functionality are accessible—and then layers on enhancements for devices and networks that can handle more advanced features. This approach keeps the essential UI usable on low-end devices and slow connections while offering richer visuals and interactivity for capable devices, all without sacrificing performance or accessibility.

This is the best fit because it emphasizes reliability, inclusivity, and maintainability: the core experience remains accessible to all users, and enhancements improve the experience where possible. Other approaches pull in a different direction—degrading from capable to limited devices mirrors graceful degradation rather than progressive enhancement; building separate mobile and desktop versions creates duplication and potential drift; delaying accessibility features undermines usable design from the start.