Is the top navigation bar on the way out?

March 14, 2014

Trend Alert: Websites with on demand navigation

As I browse the internet lately in search of inspiration and all things shiny and new, I’ve noticed more and more websites steering away from the traditional horizontal navigation structure at the top of the webpage, and am seeing more sites opt for an on-demand style of navigation where the menu is initially in a collapsed state, and available to users on demand (on click) as they want it or need it.
At this stage it seems to be favoured by creatives / creative agencies, however I wonder if with the ongoing rise in internet use via smartphones, this style of on-demand navigation should become more common place (i.e. cross into the mainstream) because it’s logical and allows us to have a consistent menu structure across all screen sizes and devices?
Visually, I think it really works! Particularly when coupled with the minimal look that’s very much trending at the moment.
But is it still to risqué to serve up in a design concept? What do you think?