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Re: Ctrl+ W ok as sole source close

for

From: Jonathan Cohn
Date: Jun 10, 2017 9:51AM

Not sure on this one, did he really mean close window, or close a frame that behave a little like a window. If memory serves me correctly, in X/11 environments control-W closes a window, in MacOS command-W closes a window and in Windows alt-F4 closes a window. Now, some browsers also have enabled the control-W command so that it behaves the same no matter which OS you are running the browser on. So if the control-W command spoken about in the original query is closing a frame/sub-window and not the tab/window controlling the box you have the additional issue that you are somewhat overriding an application and/or OS keyboard shortcut which might be "OK", but would need suitable testing to ensure the original functionality still works when the chat area is closed.

Also, it seems that the Google Application suite uses the escape key for this type of functionality so it might be more intuitive to use that key.


In any case, just like one should not expect all users to see the screen, one cannot expect all users to be able to type a two-button combination especially on mobile touch devices.
I had a particular dislike for a site that after 20 seconds of apparent non-activity popped up a chat window with a live region that spoke HI this is Cindy it looks like you are having trouble finding something. Can I help? and then moved my focus to the chat input area.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Cohn



> On Jun 10, 2017, at 4:35 AM, Patrick H. Lauke < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> On 09/06/2017 23:33, JP Jamous wrote:
>> You just answered your own question. So many people don't know about this shortcut. This is a browser shortcut and you cannot expect the user to know it.
>> You have to provide a close button.
>
> I disagree. You can also close the window (in Windows) using ALT+F4 - the standard "cl ose this" shortcut. Users can also still ALT+TAB out of the window, etc. In short, all regular keyboard commands to navigate/operate a windowed environment still work. I'd posit that users that don't know these commands will have a tough time in general navigating/using a windowed environment.
>
> Now, would it be nice to provide an explicit close button? Possibly. Do you HAVE to provide a close button? I'd argue that no, you don't.
>
> P
> --
> Patrick H. Lauke
>
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