hamburgerstyle

Hamburgerstyle, sometimes written hamburgerstyle, is a term used in digital design to describe a user interface approach that centers on the hamburger menu icon, the three horizontal lines, as the primary trigger for navigation. In this usage, navigation options are hidden behind the icon and revealed via a slide-out or dropdown panel, typically in mobile apps and responsive websites.

Origin and usage: The hamburger icon originated as a compact, recognizable symbol to save screen space. In modern design, hamburgerstyle encompasses variations such as persistent drawers on larger screens, bottom navigation bars, and contextual menus that emerge on interaction. It is commonly paired with responsive frameworks and design systems to adapt to different screen sizes.

Implementation and accessibility: Designers implement the hamburger button with appropriate ARIA roles (for example, aria-expanded) and keyboard support (focus, Enter or Space) to improve accessibility. Transitions should be smooth, and labeling should provide clear cues about what the control does. Some platforms replace the icon with visible labels on larger screens to improve discoverability.

Criticism and alternatives: Critics argue that hamburger menus reduce discoverability and slow access to features. Alternatives include bottom navigation, tab bars, top app bars with visible menus, or adaptive patterns that reveal key sections without an extra click. The choice depends on content structure, user goals, and device context.