2021 is looming on the horizon, and so we are taking a look back at the different web design trends 2020 had to offer. From typography, to navigation, web design trends emerge, gather momentum and then eventually fade into obscurity. Although there are always some exceptions that stick around longer than anticipated. So what were the top website navigation design trends of 2020? And will they still be around in 2021? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design professionals. We work with a variety of companies across Manchester, and the North West, including those in Blackburn and Chorley, to provide high quality web design solutions. As a result, we have produced this guide to the different options for website navigation throughout 2020.
What are the most effective website navigation trends of 2020?
So what were the top website navigation design trends of 2020? And will they continue into 2021? Well, some of the most popular options for website menus and navigation bars included:
- Vertical navigation bars
- Slide out navigation bars
Vertical navigation bars
Vertical navigation bars usually run vertically from the top of page on the left hand side, to the bottom. And it means that as the user scans your page, they will see the navigation menu first, in the first glance. In theory, this is even faster than a static, horizontal navigation bar, as looking across the whole of the page, takes more effort and processing for the user. Making the experience faster, and simpler for your users is a key part of providing a positive user experience, and a vertical navigation bar can do just that.
Static, vertical navigation also provides visual anchor points for your other content, and it can act as a focal point for interested potential customers. Just make sure your colour choices and design allow the menu to stand out from the rest of the page, but still fit in with your branding and colour scheme.
In addition, vertical navigation can be more effective on a mobile device, where users are already familiar with vertical options in apps and programs. This means that if your website is focusing on responsive design and mobile first, which it should be, a vertical menu could be very effective.
We expect this navigation option to be even more popular in 2021.
Slide out menu
The slide out menu is similar to the vertical navigation bar, and the hamburger menu, in that the user needs to interact with the page in a certain way, to reveal the menu. And the menu is then usually displayed in a vertical alignment to suit mobile devices and screens.
The slide out menu works when users either press and arrow button to reveal the menu, or when using a mobile device, simply swipe across. This means that the navigation menu is not always displayed, so you have more room on the screen to show off your imagery, content and design choices. However, it means that users cannot find what they want, immediately, which could be an issue for your user experience.
For more information or professional web design support, get in touch with the team today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester.