Simplicity has been the center of one of the best digital designs of our age and the hamburger menu has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing the user experience while keeping it simple and minimalist. A hamburger menu, also known as a side menu or a navigation drawer is a user interface visual element that consolidates an application’s or website’s navigation options into a compact and easily accessible menu. Hamburger Menu comprises three horizontal lines and it has revolutionized the way we navigate through digital interfaces, it streamlines the user journey and ensures a clutter-free environment where the user won’t get confused due to too many options. In this article, we will discuss what is Hamburger Menu and how to create a Hamburger Menu in our design.

What is a Hamburger Menu?

A hamburger menu, also known as a side menu or a navigation drawer is a user interface visual element that consolidates an application’s or website’s navigation options into a compact and easily accessible menu. Three horizontal lines represent the Hamburger Menu, and hence it resembles the layers of a hamburger which is why it is called the Hamburger Menu. When we click or tap the hamburger menu, it expands to reveal a list of navigation options which may include links, settings or some other additional features.

The primary purpose of a hamburger menu is to declutter the user interface, especially on smaller screens or devices with limited space. By bringing secondary navigation elements within the hamburger menu, designers can create a cleaner and more focused interface which allows the users to concentrate on the primary content of the website or application.

Here is a example of an entire Hamburger designed in Figma:

How to Create a Hamburger Menu?

Here is the detailed step by step guide to follow for creating a Hamburger Menu in a Design project:

1. User Research and Prioritization

Before diving into the designing part, it is important to understand your target audience, their needs and their expectations. For that you have to conduct user research to identify the most critical navigation elements and prioritize them accordingly. This first step will help you determine which items should be prominently displayed and which ones can put within the hamburger menu.

2. Information Architecture and Navigation Structure

The second step once you have a clear understanding of user needs is to organize your content and create a logical navigation structure. This step involves mapping out the various sections, pages and features of your application or website. You have to determine the hierarchy of information and how users will navigate from one point to another. This step will serve as the foundation for your hamburger menu design.

3. Wireframing and Prototyping

The next step is to create a wireframe. With the information architecture that you created, you can begin wireframing and prototyping the hamburger menu. Start by sketching out low fidelity wireframes that explore different layouts and menu animations. Once that you have a solid concept you can move on to creating interactive prototypes which we can later test and refine to improve the user experience.

4. Visual Design and Branding

The next step as you progress through the design process is to consider the visual aspects of the hamburger menu. Ensure that the menu’s design is consistent with your overall brand identity, using appropriate colors, typography and iconography. In this step you have to pay attention to details such as animation, hover effects, and visual feedback in your design.

5. Usability Testing and Iterations

the final step of the process is to conduct usability testing with real users. In this test, observe how they interact with the hamburger menu and identify any pain points or areas of confusion. Use this test to gather valuable feedback and iterate upon that feedback until you have a professional Hamburger Menu ready. Use these insights to iterate and refine your design and ensure that it meets the expectations of your target audience.

Best Practices to Follow

Follow these best practices to create an effective and user friendly hamburger menu:

• Consistent Placement: Maintain consistency in the placement of the hamburger menu icon across all pages and screens. This consistency helps users quickly locate the menu, improving the overall navigation experience.
• Clear Labeling: Ensure that the menu items within the hamburger menu are clearly labeled and easy to understand. Use concise and descriptive language that accurately conveys the purpose of each item, minimizing user confusion and cognitive load.
• Intuitive Hierarchy: Organize menu items in a logical and intuitive hierarchy. Group related items together and consider using subcategories or nested menus for complex navigation structures. This approach helps users quickly locate the information or feature they need.
• Responsive and Adaptive Design: Design the hamburger menu to be responsive and adaptive to different screen sizes and device orientations. Ensure that the menu layout and functionality remain consistent and usable across various platforms, providing a seamless experience for all users.
• Animations and Transitions: Incorporate subtle animations and transitions when opening, closing or navigating within the hamburger menu. These visual cues can enhance the user experience by providing feedback and guiding users through the navigation process.
• Accessibility: Ensure that your hamburger menu design is accessible to users with varying abilities. Consider implementing keyboard navigation and alternative methods of interaction for users who may have difficulty with touch or mouse input.
• Testing and Iteration: Continuously test and iterate on your hamburger menu design based on user feedback and usage data. Monitor user behavior, identify pain points and make necessary adjustments to improve the overall navigation experience.

Conclusion

Hamburger Menu is particularly crucial in the mobile first era, where screen sizes can vary significantly, and users demand a seamless experience across multiple devices. A hamburger menu, also known as a side menu or a navigation drawer is a user interface visual element that consolidates an application’s or website’s navigation options into a compact and easily accessible menu. The primary purpose of a hamburger menu is to declutter the user interface especially on smaller screens or devices with limited space. By bringing secondary navigation elements within the hamburger menu, designers can create a cleaner and more focused interface which allows the users to concentrate on the primary content of the website or application. Make sure to follow the step by step guide provided in the article in order to create a Hamburger Menu in your Design