The hamburger menu icon: where ☰ came from
Those three stacked lines — ☰ — are one of the most recognized icons on Earth, yet many people still aren't sure what they do. The hamburger menu is far older than the smartphone that made it famous.
A 1980s invention
The icon was designed by Norm Cox for the Xerox Star, one of the first graphical user interfaces, around 1981. Its three lines were meant to echo a list of menu items — simple enough to render on the crude displays of the era.
The mobile comeback
It faded, then roared back with responsive web design and smartphones in the early 2010s, when designers needed to tuck navigation into tiny screens. It became the default “more menu” almost overnight.
The debate
Critics argue the hamburger hides navigation and hurts discoverability — out of sight, out of mind. Studies show labelled menus (or a “Menu” word next to the icon) often perform better. Still, its space savings and universal recognition keep it everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Who invented the hamburger menu?
Designer Norm Cox created it for the Xerox Star interface around 1981.
Why is it called a hamburger?
The three stacked lines resemble a bun-patty-bun sandwich — a nickname that stuck.