What are the latest trends in navigation design for Information Architecture?

1 Horizontal scrolling

Horizontal scrolling is a navigation pattern that allows users to swipe or scroll horizontally through a series of items, such as images, cards, or categories. Horizontal scrolling can create a dynamic and engaging visual effect, and it can also save vertical space and reduce cognitive load by showing only a few items at a time. However, horizontal scrolling should be used with caution, as it can also create friction and confusion if the items are not clearly labeled, aligned, or grouped. Horizontal scrolling works best for content that is complementary, not essential, and that has a clear start and end point.

2 Mega menus

Mega menus are large, expandable menus that display multiple submenus and categories in a grid-like layout. Mega menus can help users navigate complex and hierarchical information structures, and they can also showcase the breadth and depth of the content available. Mega menus can enhance the usability and accessibility of navigation design, as they can provide more context, visual cues, and feedback to the users. However, mega menus can also pose some challenges, such as maintaining consistency, readability, and responsiveness across different devices and screen sizes. Mega menus should be used for websites or apps that have a large amount of content and that require users to make informed choices.

3 Sticky navigation

Sticky navigation is a navigation pattern that keeps the main navigation bar or menu fixed at the top or bottom of the screen, even when the user scrolls down or up. Sticky navigation can improve the user experience and the information architecture, as it can increase the visibility, accessibility, and discoverability of the navigation options. Sticky navigation can also reduce the user's effort and frustration by allowing them to switch between pages or sections without losing their context or orientation. However, sticky navigation can also have some drawbacks, such as taking up valuable screen space, interfering with the content, and causing performance issues. Sticky navigation should be used for websites or apps that have long or complex pages and that require frequent navigation.

4 Hamburger menus

Hamburger menus are icons that consist of three horizontal lines that represent a hidden menu that can be toggled by tapping or clicking on them. Hamburger menus are a popular navigation pattern for mobile devices, as they can save screen space and simplify the interface by hiding the navigation options behind a single element. However, hamburger menus can also have some disadvantages, such as reducing the visibility, discoverability, and accessibility of the navigation options, increasing the user's cognitive load and memory demand, and creating inconsistency and confusion across platforms and devices. Hamburger menus should be used for websites or apps that have a limited number of navigation options and that prioritize content over navigation.

5 Voice navigation

Voice navigation is a navigation pattern that allows users to interact with a website or app using voice commands or queries. Voice navigation can enhance the user experience and the information architecture, as it can provide a natural, intuitive, and hands-free way of accessing the content and functionality. Voice navigation can also cater to different user preferences, needs, and contexts, such as accessibility, convenience, or multitasking. However, voice navigation can also face some challenges, such as accuracy, reliability, security, and privacy of the voice input and output, as well as the design and development of the voice interface and the voice feedback. Voice navigation should be used for websites or apps that have a simple and clear information structure and that can benefit from a voice-based interaction.

6 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?