Sidebar
What is a Sidebar?
A sidebar is a vertical or horizontal panel that runs along the side of a webpage, application, or software interface. It typically serves as a navigation bar or an additional space to display secondary content, tools, or functionality. Sidebars are often used to help users access various parts of a site or app quickly without disrupting their primary task, making them an important part of the overall layout and user experience.
Sidebars are highly customizable and can contain a variety of elements such as menus, links, filters, widgets, or even detailed information about the current page or feature. Their placement and design can vary, with sidebars appearing on the left, right, or even at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on the design goals and user needs.
Types of Sidebar Designs
The design and function of a sidebar can vary based on the type of application or website. Common sidebar styles include:
- Static Sidebar: A static sidebar is fixed in place and remains visible as the user scrolls through the content. It is commonly used in content-heavy sites or apps where consistent access to navigation links or tools is required.
- Collapsible Sidebar: This type of sidebar can be hidden or shown by the user, typically through a toggle button or menu icon. Collapsible sidebars are popular in mobile-friendly designs, where screen real estate is limited. In mobile UI, sidebars are often hidden behind a menu icon (hamburger menu) and can be expanded when needed, preserving screen space.
- Floating Sidebar: A floating or sticky sidebar stays in view as the user scrolls down the page, allowing access to its elements at all times. It is useful for long-form content or e-commerce sites where users may want to access certain filters or actions as they scroll.
- Contextual Sidebar: Contextual sidebars display content relevant to the current page or task. For example, in a project management app, the sidebar might show specific tools or information based on the project being viewed.
Common Elements Found in a Sidebar
Although sidebars can be designed to meet the specific needs of a site or app, they often contain several common elements that enhance user interaction:
- Navigation Links: One of the most common uses of sidebars is for navigation. Sidebars often feature a vertical list of links that allow users to access different sections, pages, or categories within the site or app. These can be simple text links, icons, or a combination of both.
- Collapsible Menus: Sidebars often include collapsible or expandable sections that help organize large sets of links or options. This is especially useful for websites with deep navigation structures, like e-commerce platforms or content-rich blogs.
- Filters and Sorting Options: On e-commerce or search-based platforms, sidebars often include filter and sort functionality, allowing users to refine their search results or product listings without having to reload the page.
- User Profile and Account Information: In apps or websites where users are logged in, sidebars may include sections for displaying user information, such as their profile picture, username, or a link to account settings.
- Tools or Widgets: Some sidebars include additional tools or widgets, such as calculators, maps, calendars, or mini-applications, that provide extra functionality alongside the main content.
- Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Sidebars can also contain prominent CTA buttons, such as 'Subscribe,' 'Start a Free Trial,' or 'Contact Us,' making it easy for users to take desired actions without navigating away from the main page.
- Search Bars: A search bar integrated into the sidebar allows users to find content or items within the site quickly. This feature is especially useful on content-heavy sites like blogs, e-commerce platforms, or documentation sites.
- Notifications or Alerts: Some applications use the sidebar to display notifications, alerts, or updates to the user. This keeps users informed without interrupting their primary activity.
A well-designed sidebar significantly improves the user experience by making navigation more intuitive and accessible, while also providing essential tools or content. Whether used for navigation, filtering, or displaying extra tools, sidebars streamline how users interact with websites and applications. In MockFlow, users can design sidebars that fit seamlessly into their layouts, using customizable elements to create functional, responsive, and user-friendly interfaces.