How can you use a hamburger menu effectively?

1 Know when to use it

The hamburger menu is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every mobile app or website; it depends on the context, content, and user goals. Factors to consider include the number and complexity of navigation options, the importance and frequency of navigation, and user expectations and preferences. If you have more than five main categories, a hamburger menu can help organize them and avoid cluttering the screen. Conversely, if you have fewer or simpler options, a tab bar or a bottom navigation bar might be more intuitive and accessible. Furthermore, if your app or website requires frequent or critical navigation, a hamburger menu can hide the options and make them harder to find and use; in this case, you may want to use a more visible and persistent navigation element that shows the current location and available options at a glance. Additionally, if your app or website caters to a specific audience or niche, you might want to research how they interact with similar products and what kind of navigation they prefer. For example, if your app is for social media, gaming, or e-commerce, a hamburger menu might not be the best choice as users expect to see the main features and actions on the screen.

2 Design it clearly and consistently

Designing a hamburger menu should be easy to recognize, access, and use. It should be placed in a prominent and consistent location, usually on the top left or right corner of the screen, and it should use a standard and recognizable icon, such as the three horizontal lines or the three dots. Additionally, labeling it with a word or tooltip, such as "Menu" or "More", can help users who are not familiar with the icon or who use screen readers or other assistive technologies. Lastly, animating it smoothly and logically, such as transforming it into an "X" or a back arrow when the menu is opened, can help indicate the state and action of the menu while providing feedback and continuity to the user.

3 Optimize it for usability and performance

The hamburger menu should provide a positive and seamless user experience. To optimize it, organize and prioritize the menu items according to their relevance and frequency of use. Make sure to use clear and concise labels, categories, and submenus to structure the information and guide the user. Additionally, include a search function, a home button, or a logo link to help the user navigate quickly and easily. Testing and refining the menu on different devices, screen sizes, and orientations is essential to ensure its functionality and compatibility. Avoid using too many or too vague options that might overwhelm or confuse the user, as well as hiding essential or common actions or information in the menu that might frustrate or deter the user. Moreover, make sure that the hamburger menu does not interfere with other gestures, such as swiping, zooming, or scrolling, or that it does not cause layout or performance issues.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?