A menu serves as a practical element in a UI, offering a list of various actions that users can take. It usually pops up when users engage with specific controls like buttons or tabs. Most navigation menus feature command labels paired with icons, and occasionally, some helper text for added context.

The beauty of menus lies in their efficiency: they pack a multitude of options into a compact space, keeping the interface clean and easy to navigate. This makes them invaluable for both desktop and mobile designs where real estate is at a premium.