Dropdowns are Back! And Now More Usable!

Using dropdowns in web design has been a longstanding debate in web usability.  I am not here to argue for or against them (however the links at the bottom will). As most things in design there is a time and place for everything and there are always exceptions to the rules. Instead I am here to talk about mega dropdowns or mega menus.

Mega dropdowns began surfacing in the web a couple years ago. In a nutshell, a mega dropdown is a dropdown menu that’s fully visible and structured using design elements such as typography, layout or icons. They provide the user with more information than a typical dropdown thus making their selection easier (which is what it’s all about!).

Benefits of mega dropdowns include:

• avoiding the need for an overview page (which basically serves as the middle man)
• saving space
• keeping the user on the page (login forms etc)
• providing additional information like images, icons, prices etc
• organizing & structuring content
• quick access to content – less steps for the user

Here is a list of some of my faves!

Related Reading:

• http://www.useit.com/alertbox/mega-dropdown-menus.html
• http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20001112.html
• http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/24/designing-drop-down-menus-examples-and-best-practices/
• http://message.uk.com/dropdown-menus-no-thanks/