The Problem with Hamburger Menus in iOS

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 58 views

Introduction

When it comes to designing a user interface for an iOS app, one of the most debated topics is the use of hamburger menus. A hamburger menu, also known as a three-line menu or a navigation menu, is a common design pattern used to hide a list of options behind a single icon. However, the use of hamburger menus in iOS has been a topic of controversy, with some designers and developers arguing that they are not suitable for the platform.

The Problem with Hamburger Menus in iOS

One of the main reasons why hamburger menus are not well-suited for iOS is that they can be confusing for users. The three-line menu icon is often used to represent a navigation menu, but it can also be used to represent other types of menus, such as a settings menu or a help menu. This can lead to user confusion and make it difficult for users to find the options they need.

The Limitations of the Toolbar in iOS

Another reason why hamburger menus may not be the best choice for iOS is that the toolbar in iOS has limitations. On an iPhone 6, for example, the toolbar can only accommodate three actions. This can make it difficult to provide users with the options they need, especially if you have a large number of actions to display.

The Customer Requirement

In your case, you have a customer requirement to use text instead of icons for your actions. This can make it even more challenging to design a user interface that is both functional and visually appealing.

Alternatives to Hamburger Menus in iOS

So, what are some alternatives to hamburger menus in iOS? Here are a few options to consider:

1. Tab Bar

A tab bar is a common design pattern in iOS that allows users to switch between different views or screens. You can use a tab bar to provide users with a list of options, and each tab can represent a different action or view.

2. Navigation Bar

A navigation bar is another common design pattern in iOS that allows users to navigate through a series of screens or views. You can use a navigation bar to provide users with a list of options, and each item in the navigation bar can represent a different action or view.

3. Sidebar

A sidebar is a design pattern that allows users to access a list of options or views on the side of the screen. You can use a sidebar to provide users with a list of actions, and each item in the sidebar can represent a different action or view.

4. Custom Design

If you have a unique design requirement or a specific use case, you can also consider creating a custom design that meets your needs. This can involve using a combination of different design patterns or creating a custom UI component that meets your requirements.

Best Practices for Designing a User Interface in iOS

When designing a user interface in iOS, there are several best practices to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you design a user interface that is both functional and visually appealing:

1. Keep it Simple

One of the most important principles of user interface design is to keep it simple. Avoid cluttering the screen with too many options or features, and focus on providing users with a clear and concise user experience.

2. Use Consistent Design Patterns

Consistency is key when it comes to user interface design. Use consistent design patterns throughout your app to create a cohesive and intuitive user experience.

3. Test Your Design

Testing your design is crucial to ensuring that it meets the needs of your users. Conduct user testing and gather feedback to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven design decisions.

4. Follow Apple's Guidelines

Apple provides a set of guidelines for designing user interfaces in iOS. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your app meets the platform's design standards and provides a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hamburger menus may be a common design pattern in other platforms, they may not be the best choice for iOS. The limitations of the toolbar in iOS, combined with the customer requirement to use text instead of icons, make it challenging to design a user interface that is both functional and visually appealing. By considering alternative design patterns, such as tab bars, navigation bars, and sidebars, and following best practices for designing a user interface in iOS, you can create a user experience that meets the needs of your users and provides a seamless experience.

Additional Considerations

When designing a user interface in iOS, there are several additional considerations to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you design a user interface that is both functional and visually appealing:

1. Consider the Screen Size

iOS devices come in a range of screen sizes, from the iPhone 6 to the iPad Pro. Consider the screen size when designing your user interface to ensure that it is optimized for each device.

2. Use High-Quality Images

High-quality images can make a big difference in the user experience. Use high-quality images throughout your app to create a visually appealing and engaging user experience.

3. Optimize for Accessibility

Accessibility is an important consideration when designing a user interface in iOS. Optimize your design for accessibility by using clear and concise language, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that your app is compatible with assistive technologies.

4. Follow Platform-Specific Design Patterns

iOS has a set of platform-specific design patterns that are designed to provide a seamless user experience. Follow these design patterns to ensure that your app meets the platform's design standards and provides a consistent user experience.

Conclusion

Q: What is a hamburger menu?

A: A hamburger menu is a design pattern that uses a three-line menu icon to represent a navigation menu. It is commonly used in other platforms, such as Android and web applications.

Q: Why are hamburger menus not well-suited for iOS?

A: Hamburger menus can be confusing for users, as the three-line menu icon can also be used to represent other types of menus, such as a settings menu or a help menu. Additionally, the limitations of the toolbar in iOS make it difficult to provide users with a clear and concise user experience.

Q: What are some alternatives to hamburger menus in iOS?

A: Some alternatives to hamburger menus in iOS include:

Tab bars: A tab bar is a common design pattern in iOS that allows users to switch between different views or screens.
Navigation bars: A navigation bar is another common design pattern in iOS that allows users to navigate through a series of screens or views.
Sidebars: A sidebar is a design pattern that allows users to access a list of options or views on the side of the screen.
Custom design: If you have a unique design requirement or a specific use case, you can also consider creating a custom design that meets your needs.

Q: What are some best practices for designing a user interface in iOS?

A: Some best practices for designing a user interface in iOS include:

Keeping it simple: Avoid cluttering the screen with too many options or features, and focus on providing users with a clear and concise user experience.
Using consistent design patterns: Consistency is key when it comes to user interface design. Use consistent design patterns throughout your app to create a cohesive and intuitive user experience.
Testing your design: Testing your design is crucial to ensuring that it meets the needs of your users. Conduct user testing and gather feedback to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven design decisions.
Following Apple's guidelines: Apple provides a set of guidelines for designing user interfaces in iOS. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your app meets the platform's design standards and provides a seamless user experience.

Q: What are some additional considerations when designing a user interface in iOS?

A: Some additional considerations when designing a user interface in iOS include:

Considering the screen size: iOS devices come in a range of screen sizes, from the iPhone 6 to the iPad Pro. Consider the screen size when designing your user interface to ensure that it is optimized for each device.
Using high-quality images: High-quality images can make a big difference in the user experience. Use high-quality images throughout your app to create a visually appealing and engaging user experience.
Optimizing for accessibility: Accessibility is an important consideration when designing a user interface in iOS. Optimize your design for accessibility by using clear and concise language, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that your app is compatible with assistive technologies.
Following platform-specific design patterns: iOS has a set of platform-specific design patterns that are designed to provide a seamless user experience. Follow these design patterns to ensure that your app meets the platform's design standards and provides a consistent user experience.

Q: Can I use a hamburger menu in iOS if I have a unique design requirement or a specific use case?

A: Yes, if you have a unique design requirement or a specific use case, you can consider creating a custom design that meets your needs. However, it's essential to test your design and gather feedback from users to ensure that it meets their needs and provides a seamless user experience.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about designing user interfaces in iOS?

A: Some resources for learning more about designing user interfaces in iOS include:

Apple's Human Interface Guidelines: Apple provides a set of guidelines for designing user interfaces in iOS. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your app meets the platform's design standards and provides a seamless user experience.
iOS Design Patterns: iOS has a set of platform-specific design patterns that are designed to provide a seamless user experience. Learn more about these design patterns to create a consistent and intuitive user experience.
Designing for iOS: This book provides a comprehensive guide to designing user interfaces in iOS. It covers topics such as design principles, user experience, and accessibility.
iOS Design Community: The iOS Design Community is a community of designers and developers who share knowledge and resources on designing user interfaces in iOS. Join the community to learn more about designing user interfaces in iOS and get feedback on your designs.