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When you visit most websites on your mobile device, it’s common to see three horizontal lines stacked atop one another in the top left or right corner of the screen. You may not know it, but these lines are called a Hamburger icon, and they serve a crucial role in website navigation on smaller screens. In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at the origins of the Hamburger icon, and explore why it has become vital for websites today. Definition:The Hamburger icon was invented in a bid to simplify mobile interface design. It consists of three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other, separating top and bottom layers. Once clicked, it opens up to a menu that allows website visitors to conveniently navigate various pages. Why use a Hamburger Icon?The purpose of the Hamburger icon is to keep the interface clean and neat, with minimal distractions, particularly on smaller screens. It allows for better functionality and avoids cluttering the website with unnecessary information that could potentially cause confusion. Moreover, since it’s universally recognized, it preserves the website visitor’s browsing experience consistently across different mobile interfaces. Why is it important Hamburger Icon?Mobile usage has dramatically increased, so websites have had to adapt and develop different methods for handling smaller screens. The Hamburger icon helps site designers and developers create responsibly designed mobile websites that are user-friendly, easy to use, and navigable. How does it work?When the user clicks on the Hamburger icon, the menu slides onto the screen, presenting a user-friendly way to navigate the site. Afterward, the menu disappears after a user’s selection, thereby freeing the space for the content. Examples:Some prominent organizations that implement the Hamburger icon include Apple, Facebook, and Amazon. Apple uses this icon to open up the left panel, which allows users to browse through Apple Music, Maps, and more. Similarly, Facebook uses the Hamburger icon on mobile devices to open the side menu, allowing users to navigate the news feed, friends, and groups. Meanwhile, Amazon opens up a menu on the right side on mobile devices using the Hamburger icon t to allow users to access their account, help section, and various settings. Common Questions and Answers:Do I always have to use the Hamburger icon? While it’s not necessary to use the Hamburger icon, it’s an industry-standard for mobile interfaces and is essential for a good user experience. Can I customize my Hamburger icon? Yes, you can customize the icon’s vertical or horizontal spacing, thickness, and rotation as long as you don’t take away from its recognizability and purpose. Is the Hamburger icon more effective than a traditional menu button? Yes, because it saves screen real estate, which makes browsing faster and more convenient, and preserves the user’s browsing experience. In conclusion, the Hamburger icon has significantly contributed to mobile interface design, leading to a better user experience. Since mobile usage is high, it’s essential to keep designs simple and effective. The Hamburger icon is particularly useful in achieving this goal. It keeps the user focus on the content, reducing confusion, and preventing frustration. Its universal recognition ensures that the user experience is consistent and satisfactory across different mobile interfaces. So, when designing a mobile interface, always remember to include the Hamburger icon as part of your website design. |
