Menus show a list of options or actions for users to choose from. They help organize features and navigation in an interface.

Menu Anatomy
Understanding the core components and structure of menu systems based on W3C WAI-ARIA guidelines

1. Menu Trigger

Interactive element with proper ARIA attributes and keyboard support

2. Menu Container

ARIA menu role with proper keyboard navigation and focus management

3. Menu Items

Semantic menu items with appropriate roles and keyboard shortcuts

Menu Types & Patterns
Different menu variants following industry standards and accessibility guidelines

ActionMenuGitHub Primer Pattern

MenubarApplication Navigation

SelectionChoice Menus

Composed Menu Variants
Advanced trigger patterns and menu composition techniques from modern design systems

Badge Menu Triggers

Using badges as menu triggers for dynamic identifiers and status indicators

Overflow Menu Pattern

Space-efficient pattern for presenting additional actions when horizontal space is limited

Icon-Only Triggers

Minimal triggers with comprehensive accessibility labels and touch-friendly sizing

Split Button Pattern

Combines primary action with related secondary actions in a cohesive interface

W3C WAI-ARIA Design Principles
Core accessibility principles for creating inclusive menu experiences

Semantic Structure

Use proper ARIA roles (menu, menuitem, menubar) and semantic HTML to convey structure to assistive technologies.

Keyboard Navigation

Full keyboard operability with arrow keys, Enter, Escape, and Tab following desktop application patterns.

Focus Management

Visible focus indicators, proper focus trap, and logical focus order that preserves user context.

Accessibility Guidelines Summary
Key requirements from WCAG 2.1 and WAI-ARIA authoring practices

Required ARIA Attributes

role="menu"

Container for menu items

aria-haspopup="true"

Indicates trigger has popup

aria-expanded

Current state of menu

aria-label

Descriptive menu purpose

Keyboard Requirements

Open menu
EnterSpace
Navigate items
Close menuEsc
Type-aheadLetter keys
Touch & Mobile Considerations
Design principles for optimal touch interaction and mobile accessibility

Touch Target Guidelines

Minimum Size44x44px

Ensures accessible touch targets for users with motor impairments

Spacing8px min

Adequate spacing prevents accidental activation of adjacent items

Responsive Behavior

Adaptive Positioning

Automatically adjusts menu position based on viewport constraints and scroll position

Progressive Enhancement

Gracefully degrades to touch-friendly interactions on mobile devices