Sidenavs

Sidenavs are navigational components in graphical user interfaces that present links to the main sections of an application or website. Positioned along one side of the screen, they can be permanently visible or revealed on demand, and they help users access content without leaving the current view.

Common variants include persistent (dockable) sidenavs that remain visible on larger screens, and temporary (overlay) or slide-out sidenavs that appear over content on smaller screens. Sidenavs may be left- or right-aligned and can be collapsible to icons or expandable with nested menus.

Design and accessibility considerations include clear labeling of sections, keyboard operability, and proper focus management when the panel is opened or closed. ARIA roles and attributes help assistive technologies understand the structure, and contrast should meet accessibility guidelines. Performance should be optimized for smooth transitions.

In modern UI toolkits, sidenavs are often implemented as a 'drawer' or 'navigation drawer.' They are a staple in Material Design, responsive web design, and desktop apps, where they provide quick access to primary sections while conserving screen space on smaller devices.

History and usage notes: Sidenavs have evolved from traditional left-hand menus in desktop apps to adaptive components in responsive design. They complement top navigation and bottom navigation, and their effectiveness depends on content organization and predictable behavior across devices.