For my thesis project, I will produce a Case Study on Hidden menus to prove why they are harming the user experience and heuristic metrics of both web and software design. The major difference from this idea from the others is that I truly want to see what results come out of this study and what knowledge can be absorbed during the process. With that said, I personally love this idea because this allows me to understand how people navigate platforms and see if this research can be applied to other aspects of interactive design.
However, I know this idea is not as attractive sounding than some of the others, but people should be interested because this could answer some questions and spread the word that hidden menus, like the hamburger, are harming the experience and metrics and a push to break this design standard. To differentiate my study from the others that are out there, I am planning to create a new technique for navigation rather than suggesting to use another existing one.
To implement my project, there will be phases: technically and stylistically. Technically, my project will incorporate user testing, both existing and new designs, and concept websites that displays new navigation techniques. Stylistically, I plan to design a small “pop-up” shop that will educate people on why this is an issue, a need for a change, and insight into what a User Experience process looks like.
#BreaktheBurger