When it comes to modern web and mobile design, few UI elements spark as much debate as the hamburger menu. Designers either swear by its minimalist charm or criticize it for burying navigation. But things get even more interesting when you throw inclusivity into the mix. After all, a navigation system is only as good as the number of users who can comfortably access it. That’s why the conversation about inclusive hamburger menus has become so important.
This article takes a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of the hamburger menu, specifically through the lens of usability and accessibility. We’ll unpack scenarios where it shines, situations where it creates friction, and most importantly, strategies to make it as inclusive as possible.
Whether you’re a startup designer creating your first mobile app, a UX researcher in Melbourne testing prototypes, or a business owner who just wants their website to work for everyone, this guide is meant to give you clarity.
The Rise of the Hamburger Menu
The hamburger menu, those three stacked lines in the corner of your screen, was originally popularized by mobile apps as a way to hide navigation in limited space. In early days of iOS and Android apps, real estate was scarce, and designers loved the elegance of hiding clutter behind a single button.
Soon, websites picked up the trend too. Responsive design was growing, and developers needed an easy solution to handle navigation on small screens. The hamburger seemed like the perfect answer. By hiding all the links behind one icon, designers could save space and keep the interface looking clean.
But popularity isn’t the same thing as perfection. As more research came out, usability studies showed that not all users understood what the icon meant. Others found it annoying to take extra steps just to find a menu item. And people with motor impairments, screen readers, or other accessibility needs sometimes struggled with it even more.
Why Inclusivity Matters in Navigation
Inclusive design is all about making digital experiences usable by as many people as possible, regardless of ability, age, or context. Navigation is one of the most critical touchpoints for inclusivity because it determines whether a user can actually explore your content.
Think of a visually impaired user relying on a screen reader. If your hamburger button isn’t labeled properly, they’ll have no idea it even exists. Consider an older adult with limited dexterity; if your menu button is tiny, they’ll struggle to tap it without frustration.
Inclusivity also means thinking about cultural differences. Not every user automatically knows what a hamburger menu is. While the icon has become more recognizable globally, some audiences still find it confusing without a supporting label like “Menu.”
So when we talk about inclusive hamburger menus, we’re really asking: how can we design this pattern in a way that works for everyone, not just the tech-savvy minority?
When to Use Hamburger Menus
Let’s start with the positives. There are absolutely times when hamburger menus are not only acceptable but genuinely useful.
1. Mobile-First Design
The biggest win for hamburger menus is on mobile devices. Phones simply don’t have room for a long list of navigation links across the top. A hamburger menu tucks everything neatly into one spot, freeing up space for content.
2. Secondary Navigation
If your primary links are already visible but you have a set of secondary or less frequently used links, a hamburger can be the perfect place to house them. Think of things like settings, account preferences, or archived pages.
3. Apps with Complex Features
In apps with dozens of features (banking apps, productivity suites), the hamburger serves as a catch-all for functions that don’t need to live upfront. It organizes complexity without overwhelming the user at first glance.
4. Minimalist Aesthetic
Sometimes design teams choose a hamburger simply to preserve a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. When balanced with usability, it can reinforce brand identity and visual focus.
When to Avoid Hamburger Menus
Of course, the hamburger isn’t always the hero. There are plenty of scenarios where it creates more problems than it solves.
1. Primary Navigation
If your menu includes just a handful of key links—like Home, About, Services, Contact—burying them behind a hamburger adds unnecessary friction. Users expect these to be visible right away.
2. Accessibility Concerns
Hamburgers can create accessibility barriers. If the button is too small, lacks a visible label, or isn’t coded properly for screen readers, it excludes users. Accessibility should never be sacrificed for minimalism.
3. Desktop Interfaces
On large screens, there’s usually no need to hide navigation. Users have the space to see all their options at once, and making them click to reveal a menu is often frustrating.
4. High-Engagement Pages
For websites that thrive on discovery (e-commerce, media, blogs), burying options reduces the chance of users exploring. A hidden menu decreases visibility and can negatively impact engagement and conversions.
Making Hamburger Menus Inclusive
Now for the heart of the conversation: if you do choose to use a hamburger menu, how can you ensure it’s inclusive?
Here are practical, research-backed steps you can take:
Label the Icon
Don’t assume everyone knows what three lines mean. Add the word “Menu” next to or below the icon. This improves clarity for first-time users and non-native digital users.
Use Proper Touch Targets
Make sure the button is at least 44×44 pixels (Apple’s guideline) or 48×48 dp (Google’s guideline). This makes it easier for users with limited dexterity to tap accurately.
Support Screen Readers
Always add an aria-label (e.g., aria-label="Main menu") so assistive technologies can announce the button clearly.
Offer Alternatives
Whenever possible, display the most important navigation links outside the hamburger as shortcuts. For example, a top bar might show “Home,” “Shop,” and “Contact,” while the hamburger houses everything else.
Keep Animations Smooth and Clear
If your hamburger expands into a menu, make the transition smooth and predictable. Avoid overly fancy animations that could cause disorientation or motion sickness.
Test with Real Users
Inclusivity isn’t just theory. Run usability tests with a diverse group of participants—different ages, abilities, and tech backgrounds. See if they find the menu easy to use.
Inclusive Hamburger Menus: When to Use and When to Avoid in Practice
Let’s walk through a few real-world scenarios.
Scenario 1: A Local Café Website
A small café in Melbourne wants a mobile-friendly site. They only have four links: Home, Menu, Location, Contact. In this case, a hamburger menu is unnecessary. Those four links should sit visible on the page.
Scenario 2: A Fitness App
The app has dozens of features: workout logs, meal plans, progress tracking, community forums, settings. Here, a hamburger menu works as a secondary navigation hub, provided it’s labeled clearly and tested for accessibility.
Scenario 3: An Online News Portal
Readers expect to browse categories quickly: World, Politics, Tech, Sports. If these categories are hidden behind a hamburger on desktop, engagement will plummet. Keep them visible. Use a hamburger for less critical items like “Archives” or “Newsletters.”
These examples show that inclusivity isn’t just about technical coding—it’s also about context and user goals.
Alternatives to Hamburger Menus
If you decide hamburgers aren’t the best fit, what are your options?
- Tab Bars: Common in mobile apps, especially iOS. Keeps the most important sections visible at the bottom.
- Visible Top Navigation: Best for desktops and tablets with enough screen space.
- Expandable Sections: Accordions or “More” buttons can reveal additional links without overwhelming the screen.
- Sticky Navigation Bars: Keeps navigation visible while scrolling, ensuring users never lose track of where to go.
By exploring alternatives, you give yourself the flexibility to design inclusively without feeling locked into one pattern.
Best Practices for Testing Inclusivity
Designing inclusively is never a one-and-done process. Here are strategies for continuous improvement:
- A/B Testing: Compare a visible navigation version against a hamburger menu version. Track engagement, clicks, and bounce rates.
- Accessibility Audits: Use tools like Lighthouse, Axe, or WAVE to check for accessibility compliance.
- User Interviews: Talk directly to users who have accessibility needs. Ask them about pain points and frustrations.
- Cross-Device Testing: Don’t just test on iPhones. Try Androids, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
- Iterate Continuously: Inclusivity evolves with user needs and expectations. Keep refining.
FAQs on Inclusive Hamburger Menus
1. Are hamburger menus bad for SEO?
Not directly, but hiding navigation can reduce link visibility, which may indirectly affect SEO.
2. Should I always label my hamburger menu with text?
Yes, adding a “Menu” label improves clarity and accessibility.
3. Do users actually recognize the hamburger icon?
Many do, but not all. New internet users or older demographics may struggle without a label.
4. What’s the best alternative to a hamburger menu?
Tab bars or visible top navigation, depending on the device and number of links.
5. Can hamburger menus be inclusive for everyone?
They can, but only if designed with accessibility in mind—proper labels, size, coding, and context.
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