More and more websites are using the “hamburger” (the ubiquitous three-line symbol for a menu) to save space on the screen. The icon denotes a hidden menu. When clicked or tapped, the menu will reveal itself and the user will be allowed to interact and navigate through the menu.

Many designers believe that the icon has achieved universal status and that users understand what the icon represents. Many large websites and brands rely on it from Google to Starbucks. I believe the icon is far from being universally recognized. Below are some “hamburger icon” designs that i think it make more clear to the user where the hidden menu is located.

Earth to Echo

glacéau smartwater

Wild

Outdated Browser

Jam3 Site

Serge Thoraval

Mobee

Pollen

Mr President

Olympic Story

Huge

Fixed Digital Agency

Killing Kennedy

MoreSleep

Teehan