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!
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