What is a potential risk of using complex navigation menus in web design?

Using complex navigation menus in web design can overwhelm users, particularly those with cognitive disabilities. These users may struggle to process and navigate through convoluted structures, which can lead to frustration and hinder their ability to find the information they seek. A clear and simple navigation system is essential for accessibility because it allows all users, regardless of their abilities, to efficiently locate content on a website.

A navigation menu that is overly intricate can introduce too many choices at once or utilize terminology that is not easily understood. This can result in cognitive overload, where users may feel unable to make decisions or understand their options. Therefore, straightforward navigation is vital to creating an inclusive web experience that serves everyone effectively.