Although it is already widespread, the hamburger menu pattern remains a source of much debate in the design world. It's either love or hate for designers, and the majority of them aren't afraid to express their opinions. There are good arguments on both sides of every controversy, as there usually are.
The three-lined icon's main point is that you should be aware of both its advantages and disadvantages before employing it. This will enable you to decide when, how, and whether to use it into your own ideas.
The hamburger menu is a common design element that may be found on websites, apps, software, and video games all over the internet. The navigation choices are included in a straightforward three-line symbol. It is frequently used to streamline user interfaces for sites with lots of information and small screens.
A love-hate relationship has existed between the hamburger menu and the design community ever since it first appeared on the scene decades ago. It has emerged as the preferred method of streamlining navigation and clearing up space on small screens. However, it has also been applied in ways that confuse users or obfuscate functionality, resulting in worse than ideal user experiences. Nevertheless, depending on the context and specifics of the design, the hamburger menu can be immensely helpful for both designers and end users.
It was designed by the great and creative Norm Cox for the first graphical user interface, the Xerox Star, and it naturally resembles the appearance of a menu list. It is ideal for small-screen devices and is a perfect fit for websites where visuals are crucial and navigation should take a back seat. It demonstrates to be a very effective and workable solution that satisfies the demands of the modern world.
The requirements of any project may have an impact on the hamburger icon itself, just like they may have an impact on any other UI element. Dan Davies, for instance, takes a novel approach by building an icon out of cutlery, while Timothy Deegan delivers a delicious realistic version.
When developing an app or website, one of the most crucial choices for designers is to create intuitive, accessible navigation that promotes interaction. So, it's crucial to do it correctly. The hamburger menu has its place and time, but it shouldn't be a default or go-to option in every circumstance. Like any other design pattern, it's crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a certain pattern before implementing it.
Even if it could appear that a small component like the hamburger menu icon does not require alterations, with a little creativity it can be transformed into a distinctive and remarkable element. Particularly when designers begin to experiment with its meaning and attempt to utilize artistic techniques to make it more unique and attention-grabbing.