In 1981, Xerox released the 8010 Information System, the first commercial computer to use the graphical desktop metaphor with folders and icons that we still use today. 40 years later, we take a look at why it was special.
What Is a Hamburger Menu Button?
Apr 17, 2021, 6:40 am EDT
| 3 min read
Hamburger Menu or Hamburger Icon is a term commonly used when talking about apps. It might make you hungry, but it has nothing to do with food. Where did this silly name come from, and what does the menu do?
The History of the Hamburger Icon
The Hamburger icon menu, symbol, button, etc. has been around since 1981. It was created by Norm Cox, the graphics lead for the Xerox Star, the first commercial personal computer.
Norm designed the symbol as a container for menu choices. The horizontal lines are an abstract depiction of a vertical list. You can see the hamburger menu buttons in action on the Xerox Star in the video below at the 21:15 mark.