A menu is one of the main navigation elements that helps users easily explore a website and locate the desired sections. Let’s go through the main types of menus and their ideal use cases.
1. Hamburger menu
Features:
An icon with three horizontal lines typically placed in the corner of the screen. Clicking on it reveals the full menu.
Use case:
Frequently used in mobile versions of websites to minimize clutter and maintain a clean, minimalist interface.
2. Breadcrumbs
Features:
A series of text links showing the user’s path through the website. Each link leads back to a previous section.
Use case:
Provides a convenient way to quickly navigate back to a specific section. Enhances navigation and improves user experience.
3. Tabs
Features:
Interactive buttons that allow users to switch between different types of content on the same page without reloading.
Use case:
Ideal for organizing large amounts of information into categories.
4. Multilevel menu
Features:
When a menu item is selected, a dropdown list with additional options appears.
Use case:
Perfect for websites with a complex structure where quick access to specific information is essential.
5. Sidebar menu
Features:
A vertical panel with sections and subsections, typically placed on the side of the screen.
Use case:
Provides detailed navigation, enabling easy access to various sections and pages.
6. Menu with cart, search, and favorites
Features:
Icons for search, shopping cart, and favorites are integrated into the main menu.
Use case:
Ideal for e-commerce websites where quick access to these features is important.
7. Custom menu
Features:
Created using the Zero Block tool, allowing elements to be placed freely and fixed in position.
Use case:
Best for creating unique designs and enhancing the originality of a website.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of menu depends on the specific features of your website and the expectations of your users. A well-structured and user-friendly navigation system ensures a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience.