Understanding UI Components: What Do We Call This Sticky Bottom Navigation?
As UI/UX designers, we often find ourselves pondering the terminology surrounding the various components we work with daily. A recent question has sparked some debate: How should we refer to that fixed menu that resides at the bottom center of the screen and remains visible as users scroll?
After conducting some preliminary research, I’ve compiled a list of potential names, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on which term resonates best with both designers and those outside of the design sphere:
- Fixed Action Bar
- Fixed Bottom Menu
- Sticky Footer Bar
- Bottom Navigation
- Dock (though I have my reservations about this one)
Essentially, this component serves as a sticky menu that remains anchored at the bottom of the screen, adapting seamlessly to both large and small devices. Its design tends to be consistent across different formats, contributing to a cohesive user experience.
To spark further discussion, I’ve included some screenshots showcasing this UI element in various contexts:
I’m looking forward to your insights! What do you call this ubiquitous UI feature? Let’s share our knowledge and perhaps develop a common vocabulary together.
2 responses to “What Is This UI Component Called? A Guide for UI/UX Designers”
The UI component you’re referring to does indeed have several names, and it’s essential to understand the nuances of each term as they can vary based on context and usage. Here’s a breakdown of the common nomenclature surrounding this type of interface element:
Bottom Navigation Bar: This term is widely used, particularly in mobile app design. It’s specifically designed to provide users with quick access to the main sections of an app while maintaining a consistent user experience. In this context, it usually houses 3 to 5 icons for key sections, making it easy for users to navigate without excessive scrolling.
Sticky Footer Bar: This name accurately describes the functionality of the component: it remains fixed at the bottom of the viewport as users scroll, providing persistent access to navigation or actions. This is particularly effective for enhancing user engagement and encouraging interaction, as users don’t need to scroll back to the top of the page or app to access options.
Floating Action Button (FAB): While not precisely the same, if the bottom component includes a prominent action button (like a “+” for adding content), it would be termed a Floating Action Button, which usually embodies the most important action on a screen.
Persistent Toolbar: This term is more generic but can be applied to any fixed component along the bottom of the UI that provides tools or actions without removing it during user interactions.
Fixed Action Bar: While overlapping with the above terms, this might refer more specifically to action-oriented buttons typically found in web applications as opposed to mobile design.
Dock: While “dock” often refers to a fixed area that contains icons for apps or actions, like on a desktop interface, it can be used informally in mobile contexts. However, it’s less common in discussion about mobile UX.
Practical Advice
When working with this UI component:
Consider Screen Size: Design for both small and large screens, ensuring that touch targets are adequately sized and that the UI remains intuitive regardless of screen dimensions.
Minimize Clutter: Limit the number of items in a bottom navigation bar to enhance usability. The typical recommendation is to stick with 3-5 primary actions to avoid overwhelming users.
Test for Usability: A/B testing different designs can provide insights into user preferences. Pay attention to how users interact with this component in real scenarios to determine if it meets their needs effectively.
Focus on Accessibility: Ensure the buttons are large enough to be tapped easily and that color contrasts meet accessibility standards. Consider implementing screen reader compatibility so that all users may navigate effectively.
The terminology and approach may vary depending on your audience or application field, but the essential concepts of user-centered design should apply universally. Always remain adaptable in your design processes and keep user experience at the forefront for any UI component you develop, including this sticky bottom menu.
This is a fascinating topic, and your exploration of terminology highlights the importance of clear communication in UI/UX design. While all the suggested names reflect functionality, I’d lean toward “Bottom Navigation” as the most universally accepted term. Not only does it convey the positioning of the component effectively, but it also encapsulates its primary purpose—providing easy access to key areas of an application or website.
Additionally, the ability of this component to adapt to various screen sizes speaks to the growing need for responsive design. It might be interesting to consider how this bar can be optimized in terms of both usability and aesthetics. For instance, introducing subtle animations or incorporating contextual changes based on user behavior could enhance user experience while maintaining engagement.
Moreover, it would be beneficial to look at the evolution of this component across different platforms. How have mobile-first designs influenced the development of bottom navigation in web applications, and how might emerging technologies reshape its functionality in the future?
Thanks for initiating this valuable discussion—it’s a timely reminder of how the jargon we choose can impact our design community’s collective understanding. I’m excited to see how others weigh in!