Progressive Enhancement vs Graceful Degradation
These two phrases describe how a website behaves when something is missing — an old browser, a slow connection or JavaScript that fails to load. Both aim to keep your site usable in imperfect conditions.
Understanding the difference helps explain why we build the way we do, and why a robust site keeps working when things go wrong.
Two Directions, One Goal
- Progressive enhancement starts with a simple version that works for everyone, then layers on richer features for capable browsers.
- Graceful degradation starts with the full experience, then makes sure it falls back sensibly where features are unsupported.
Why We Favour Progressive Enhancement
Building up from a solid core means the essentials — reading content, submitting a form, making a purchase — keep working even if a fancy feature fails. That protects your revenue and reputation.
- Core content and links work as plain HTML.
- Styling improves the experience where CSS is supported.
- Interactivity adds polish where JavaScript runs.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.