Best Practices for Designing Headers
Headers are like guiding beacons on a webpage. When users feel lost or need direction, they instinctively look to the top of the page where the header is. This makes the header a crucial navigation tool.
Designing a header involves considering many best practices, such as ensuring the text is easy to read, the size is appropriate, it works well on different devices (responsiveness), and the overall design is appealing. A well-designed header does wonders for user experience. It highlights and makes key elements like navigation menus and search bars easy to find and use. This means users can effortlessly navigate the site and find what they're looking for without any confusion.
When creating a website or an app, it's important to consider how it will appear on mobile devices. A key part of this is using a responsive header, which adjusts to fit different screen sizes, ensuring that the header looks good and functions well whether on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
One effective feature for mobile-friendly
The hamburger menu is especially handy on mobile devices because it takes up minimal screen space and is easy to reach with a thumb, making it convenient for one-handed use.
A complex or overly decorative typeface might appear visually appealing for a
In selecting a typeface, it's important to consider how it aligns with the brand's voice and personality. The font should resonate with the brand's image and values, and also be appropriate for the specific product or service offered. For instance, a playful, whimsical font might be suitable for a children's app, while a more professional, clean typeface would be better for a business website.
Pro Tip! Avoid any handwritten or heavily stylized fonts for headers.
Overloading a
Instead, focus on the basics — a clear and concise
The CTA
- Placement: Position the CTA button in the top-right corner of the header. This ensures it is visible without scrolling, so users see it as soon as they land on the
page . - Visibility: Use contrasting colors to make the CTA button stand out and draw the eye.
- Message: Keep the button's message clear and concise, such as "Sign Up" or "Get Started." This tells users exactly what will happen when they click it.
The choice between placing the
- Android Apps: For Android apps, it's best to place the hamburger menu on the top-left which aligns with Android user expectations and enhances usability.
- Multiplatform apps: Designing for multiple platforms may involve a trade-off. Placing the
menu on the left suits left-to-right language users and their F-shaped reading pattern. However, since the hamburger menu often hides secondary features, placing it on the right can reserve the left side for more criticalcontent . This position is also more accessible for right-handed users navigating with their thumb. - iOS apps: In iOS app design, instead of a hamburger menu, consider using tab bars,
navigation bars, or other iOS-specific elements for navigation and content organization.
Differentiating the header from the rest of the
- Use a contrasting background color: This
contrast makes the header noticeable and ensures that text and elements within it are readable. Avoid translucentheaders as they can create low contrast, making content hard to read and potentially distracting users. - Use a subtle shadow effect: This gives a sense of depth and, while less intense than a colored background, effectively differentiates the header from the rest of the content.