MOS:DONTHIDE

MOS:DONTHIDE

The guideline MOS:DONTHIDE is a part of the Wikipedia Manual of Style that advises editors on the appropriate use of collapsible content within articles. This guideline is crucial for maintaining the accessibility and readability of Wikipedia articles, ensuring that all readers can easily access the information they seek without unnecessary barriers.

Overview

MOS:DONTHIDE emphasizes that content should generally be visible by default and not hidden behind collapsible elements such as "show/hide" boxes, tabs, or other mechanisms that require user interaction to reveal content. The primary rationale behind this guideline is to enhance the user experience by making information readily available and ensuring that articles are fully accessible to all users, including those with disabilities or those using assistive technologies.

Rationale

The guideline is based on several key principles:

• Accessibility: Collapsible content can pose challenges for users with disabilities, particularly those who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. By keeping content visible, Wikipedia ensures that all users have equal access to information.

• Readability: Articles with hidden content can disrupt the flow of reading and make it difficult for users to find information. Visible content allows for a more seamless reading experience.

• Transparency: Wikipedia values transparency and openness. By avoiding hidden content, the platform ensures that all information is presented openly and can be easily verified by readers.

Exceptions

While the general rule is to avoid hiding content, there are exceptions where collapsible elements may be appropriate:

• Navigation templates: These are often used at the bottom of articles to provide links to related topics. They can be collapsed to save space while still providing easy access to additional resources.

• Long lists or tables: In some cases, very long lists or tables may be collapsed to improve the overall layout of the article, provided that the key information remains visible.

• Spoilers: In articles about works of fiction, spoilers may be hidden to prevent revealing key plot details to readers who have not yet experienced the work.

Implementation

Editors are encouraged to:

• Review articles for unnecessary use of collapsible content and make adjustments to ensure that important information is visible.
• Use collapsible elements judiciously and only when they enhance the article's usability without compromising accessibility.
• Consider alternative ways to organize content, such as using sections or subheadings, to avoid the need for collapsible elements.

Also see

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:Accessibility
• Wikipedia:Content forking
• Wikipedia:Article layout