Which statement best captures a progressive enhancement principle?

• A. Build for the most capable devices first, then degrade for less capable devices.
• B. Focus on minimal features to speed development.
• C. Start with a robust baseline that works with minimal capabilities and enhance for capable devices.
• D. Create a separate version for every device.

Answer: (C)

Progressive enhancement begins with a solid baseline that works with minimal capabilities and then adds enhancements for capable devices. This means the core content and essential functions are accessible to everyone, even on older browsers or with limited features, and richer experiences are layered on only if the user’s environment supports them. As browsers and devices become more capable, you enhance the experience without breaking the core, ensuring the site remains usable for all users.

The idea of building for the most capable devices first and degrading for less capable ones describes a different approach called graceful degradation, where features are stripped away for compatibility, which can leave some users with missing functionality. Focusing on minimal features to speed development doesn’t address the layered enhancement concept. Creating a separate version for every device violates the single, adaptable baseline principle in progressive enhancement.