The designerβs guide to hamburger menus (& best alternatives)
A Design Dilemma Unveiled
Introduction to the Hamburger Menu
Youβve probably encountered it countless times, maybe even used it, yet the humble three-stacked lines, known as the hamburger menu, remains a topic of heated debate in the design realm. In this comprehensive guide, weβll delve into the intricacies of this icon, exploring its origins, evolution, and the polarizing discussions it sparks within the design community.
Unveiling the Hamburger Icon
The hamburger menu, consisting of three stacked lines, serves as a visual cue indicating a concealed menu. Upon interaction, either through a click or tap, a menu slides into view, revealing a list of navigation items or additional elements for user access. Despite its simplicity, this design pattern has become the subject of controversy due to its widespread use and, at times, misuse.
Tracing the Roots of the Hamburger Menu
The history of the hamburger menu dates back to 1981 when interaction designer Norm Cox introduced it as an interface element for Xeroxβs personal computers. Despite its creation for a specific purpose, the design faced limited acceptance and faded into obscurity for nearly three decades. However, with the rise of touchscreen smartphones in 2007, spearheaded by Appleβs iPhone, the hamburger menu experienced a renaissance. Its ability to save screen space while accommodating complex menus made it a practical choice for the evolving landscape of digital interfaces.
Creative Implementations of the Hamburger Menu
The hamburger menu has transcended its initial purpose and can now be found in various forms across digital devices, from mobile apps to desktop software and smart TVs. Creative designers have explored diverse implementations, each showcasing the versatility of this iconic design pattern.
- Mobile App Example by Simon Rico
- Website Example by Hayden Bleasel
- Website Example by Adam Roller
Navigating the Pros and Cons
The debate surrounding the hamburger menu revolves around its pros and cons. Designers find themselves divided, making it imperative to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before incorporating it into a design.
Pros of Hamburger Menus
- Simplified Screen Layouts: Enables complexity without clutter, optimizing limited screen space.
- Direct Access to Navigation: Facilitates easy access to different screens, offering users direct navigation.
- Ideal for Secondary Access: Shines when used for secondary elements, allowing quick access to less frequently used features.
- Easy Recognition: Universally recognized, the iconβs ubiquity minimizes user confusion on small screens.
Cons of Hamburger Menus
- Reduced Discoverability: Hides navigation items, potentially hindering users from discovering essential elements.
- Diminished Relevance of Inner Pages: May diminish the perceived importance of items within the menu, affecting user engagement.
- Lower User Engagement: Requires additional taps and navigation, potentially discouraging users from exploring further.
Exploring Alternatives to the Hamburger Menu
If designers opt for alternatives to the hamburger menu, several creative options are available, particularly for mobile screens.
Floating Menu:
- Pros: Signals importance, saves screen real estate, and can be easily reachable on mobile devices.
- Cons: Less discoverable than direct navigation, menu items remain hidden behind a tap or click.
Bottom Tabbed Menu:
- Pros: Enables quick interpretation, easy tracking, drives engagement, and offers full direct access to important features.
- Cons: Limited to a few options, requires extra design work and iconography.
Sliding Top Tab Menu:
- Pros: Holds more options, provides relatively direct access to navigation options.
- Cons: Less accessible on mobile devices, demands more effort and exploration from users.
Conclusion: Navigating the Design Landscape
Designing intuitive and accessible navigation is a critical aspect of creating engaging apps and websites. While the hamburger menu has its time and place, it should not be a default choice for every scenario. Designers must carefully consider its pros and cons, making informed decisions based on the specific needs of each design endeavor.
FAQs
Q: Why is the hamburger menu a controversial design element?
The controversy around the hamburger menu stems from its widespread use and, at times, misuse. Designers are divided on its efficacy, leading to debates within the design community.
Q: Can the reduced discoverability of the hamburger menu affect user engagement?
Yes, by hiding navigation items, the hamburger menu may reduce the discoverability of essential elements, potentially impacting user engagement.
Q: Are there viable alternatives to the hamburger menu for mobile screens?
Certainly, alternatives like floating menus, bottom tabbed menus, and sliding top tab menus offer creative solutions for mobile screens, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
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Authored by: [Niamh]
This collaborative research-driven exploration required [1] day of dedication and [2 to 3] hours of meticulous crafting.
Connect with me on Twitter: [@niamh_dcreator]
Thank you for your interest.
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