The hamburger menu is a user interface icon consisting of three stacked horizontal lines, typically located in the top left or right corner of a screen, that signals a hidden menu or set of navigation options (and visually resembles a hamburger). When clicked or tapped, it reveals additional content—often in the form of a side drawer or dropdown—allowing users to access various sections of a website or app. This design element is commonly used in place of a traditional navigation design to conserve screen space and create a cleaner, more modern layout. It’s especially popular in mobile and responsive web design, where space is limited and simplicity is key.
The hamburger menu aligns well with minimalist design principles, helping to reduce visual clutter and prioritize content. However, while it enhances aesthetics and usability on smaller screens, it’s important to consider user experience, as some users may overlook or misunderstand the icon’s function.
