Summary: The sidebar is the most common navigation pattern in complex web apps. You should focus on large click targets, distinctive icons, and the ability to collapse or hide it to optimize usability.
If you look at the navigation concept of most complex web apps, one thing stands out: unlike content-based websites such as blogs or online shops, the navigation area on desktop is usually not at the top, but very often on the left in a sidebar.
A concept that feels more like websites from the 90s is still the go-to choice for these specific use cases. In this article, you’ll learn why that is and what to keep in mind when designing this type of information architecture.
Why sidebars work well in complex software
The most obvious reason to choose a sidebar is the sheer number of menu items. Vertically stacked, they have significantly more space and can be expanded more easily. It is not unusual to have 10 to 15 menu items here, some of which also contain a large number of sub-items. In many cases, this amount is fully justified, and rigidly applying Miller’s Law (max. 5-9 objects) during the design process can even be counterproductive. Too much bundling of menu items leads to generic top-level categories, which makes it harder for users to find what they need. Of course, you should still structure and reduce where possible.
Another advantage is that submenus can remain permanently visible. This helps users keep track of where they are within the application and makes it easier to maintain a mental model of the structure.
Beyond pure information layout, interaction with the menu is a key factor. On classic content-driven websites, navigation often serves as an entry point. Once visitors reach their destination, the menu fades into the background, and the content gets all available space. Sidebars may still be used there, but usually for specific, context-dependent interaction elements, such as a table of contents for text articles or filter options for a shopping category. In web apps, users navigate very differently and much more frequently. They often jump between operational areas, rotate through dashboards, and build routines. For this frequent and fast navigation, a sidebar is an excellent fit.
To summarize, these are the main factors in favor of a sidebar:
- Enough room for many menu items
- Better visibility of both menu and current position
- Faster navigation
Optimized usability for power users
Users in the SaaS space often use apps daily and over long periods. That is why it is especially important to pay attention to small usability details, so everyday work stays as smooth and efficient as possible.
Maximum interaction area
You should ensure that each menu item has as much clickable area as possible. This reduces both cursor travel distance and required precision. With clear hover effects, users should immediately recognize when they are inside a clickable area.
Distinctive icons
Combined with a menu item’s text label, icons are an essential tool for enabling fast recognition by power users. What matters more than perfectly matching symbolism is visual distinctiveness compared to other icons. This leverages the brain’s rapid pattern recognition and gives returning users a memory aid.
Distinctiveness of icons matters more than thematic accuracy.
It is no coincidence that many users add emojis to folder names to find them faster. It does not always have to be the perfect icon, as long as it clearly stands out from the others.
Collapsible sidebar
By default, side navigation should always be visible. In some views, such as a comprehensive table, however, it can make sense to give the content as much space as possible. So you should allow users to shrink or close the sidebar.
The most common variant is reducing the width, where only the main menu icons remain visible.
Another option is to close the sidebar completely, then let users bring it back via a small interaction element such as a button.
Conclusion
Sidebars remain relevant in complex software not because of nostalgia, but because they best meet the functional needs of modern web apps: large numbers of menu items, clear hierarchies, and quick switching between work areas can be represented more efficiently here than in horizontal navigation patterns. The key factor, however, is not just structure but consistent optimization for daily use. Large click targets, visually distinctive icons, and flexible collapse/expand behavior turn a simple navigation element into a powerful tool for power users. Anyone designing complex SaaS products should treat the sidebar not merely as a container for menu items, but as a central part of productive user guidance.