Hamburgerikoner

Hamburgerikoner, also known as the hamburger menu or hamburger navigation, are a user interface design element that typically consists of three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. This icon is commonly used on websites and mobile applications to represent a hidden menu that can be revealed by tapping or clicking on it.

The primary purpose of a hamburger icon is to conserve screen space by collapsing navigation options into a single, unobtrusive element. When activated, it reveals a menu containing links to different sections of the website or app, such as home, about, contact, or settings. This design choice is particularly prevalent on smaller screens, like those of smartphones and tablets, where maximizing available display area is crucial.

The term "hamburger" is a visual metaphor, likening the icon's stacked lines to the bun and patty of a hamburger. The concept was popularized by early graphical user interfaces and gained widespread adoption with the rise of mobile web design. While effective for space-saving, the hamburger icon has also faced criticism for potentially reducing discoverability of navigation options, as the menu content is not immediately visible. Designers often weigh the benefits of a cleaner interface against the potential impact on user navigation when deciding whether to implement this design pattern.