Should the Menu Stick Around?
Context:
A common navigation question in UX is whether a website’s main menu should remain visible while users scroll.
A “sticky menu” keeps the navigation accessible at all times, even as users move down the page. Back in 2012, Smashing Magazine published an article titled A Sticky Menu Is Quicker to Navigate, which cited findings such as sticky menus being 22% quicker to navigate and being preferred by 100% of study participants.
Fast forward to 2026, and the discussion is still ongoing. Some designers and organizations prefer always-visible navigation, while others prefer a cleaner experience with the menu hidden until needed.
We are often asked by clients what we recommend. Rather than relying solely on industry articles and best practices, we’d love to gather some data of our own. Thanks for helping us better understand your preference!
Question #1:
What is your preferred navigation experience when browsing a website on a laptop or desktop computer?
A: The main menu remains visible on the screen at all times (“sticky” navigation).
Example: In the spirit of the World Cup, visit FIFA.
B: The main menu disappears as you scroll down the page but reappears when you scroll up.
Example: In the spirit of summer, visit Ben & Jerry’s.
C: The main menu disappears as you scroll down the page and only reappears when you return to the top of the page.
Example: In the spirit of baseball season, visit Major League Baseball (MLB).
What is your preferred navigation experience when browsing a website on a laptop or desktop computer?
Question #2:
What is your preferred navigation experience when browsing a website on a mobile phone?
A: The main menu remains visible on the screen at all times (“sticky” navigation).
Example: In the spirit of the World Cup, visit FIFA.
B: The main menu disappears as you scroll down the page but reappears when you scroll up.
Example: In the spirit of summer, visit Ben & Jerry’s.
C: The main menu disappears as you scroll down the page and only reappears when you return to the top of the page.
Example: In the spirit of baseball season, visit Major League Baseball (MLB).
What is your preferred navigation experience when browsing a website on a mobile phone?