Designing mobile navigation and menu patterns
Effective mobile navigation is crucial for a good user experience. Here are some popular patterns and considerations:
Hamburger menu:
A widely recognized icon (☰) that expands to reveal navigation options. Saves space but can hide important navigation items.
Bottom navigation bar:
Places key navigation items at the bottom of the screen for easy thumb access. Ideal for apps or websites with 3-5 main sections.
Expandable menus:
Accordion-style menus that expand and collapse to show subcategories. Helps organize complex navigation structures.
Search-centered navigation:
Prominent search bar for content-heavy sites. Allows users to quickly find what they're looking for.
Progressive disclosure:
Reveal additional options or content as the user navigates deeper into the site. Helps manage complex navigation without overwhelming the user.
Sticky headers:
Keep important navigation elements visible as users scroll. Ensures easy access to key functions or menu items.