WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Re: Reason For Links Opening In New Window

for

From: Joshue O Connor
Date: Jan 8, 2007 10:00AM

> I'd argue that there may be benefit to having multiple
> windows. For example, a user interacting with a web-based email
> application who wants to save the contact information from an email into
> that same application's contact directory can switch back and forth more
> easily if they need to with two windows. The user could deliberately
> launch the contact "page" in a new window, but then we are likely to run
> into cognitive issues also.

Instances like you suggest certainly have an application - if the user
is used to that particular way of interacting with an application. If
they are accustomed to that kind of functionality - and expect it from
the start when they use the web application.

> What sensory issues are you alluding to?

None specifically, but the autism spectrum does come to mind. I am
suggesting the simpler the applications interface and methods of use,
the more people will be able to comfortably use it. There are usability
considerations here and not just accessibility issues (though they are
not for my money mutually exclusive at all). As a general rule of thumb,
IMO, good usable interfaces and comfortable modes of interaction are
made possible by simple interfaces and predictable (not to be confused
with boring) behaviors.

> These all seem like legitimate best practice and usability concerns.

Yup.

> The new window should get the focus - not doing that is an accessibility
> issue, but this is generally the avoidable exception, isn't it?

It is - but I have in user testing seen where the developer seems to
make an assumption that the user may not have any other browser windows
open and when their new browser window does pop up, it can get buried
under many other spawned windows. It doesn't always happen but it
can.Tabbed browsing will change this also and I'm sure tabbed windows
will start to appear, ( I had to stop myself saying pop-up, Ooh there it
is, sorry) but that could bring other usability problems, such as the
user not knowing what a tab is, or saying I haven't seen those since the
sixties.

Anyway others on the list will have more to say.

Josh


********************************************************************

NOTICE: The information contained in this email and any attachments
is confidential and may be privileged. If you are not the intended
recipient you should not use, disclose, distribute or copy any of
the content of it or of any attachment; you are requested to notify
the sender immediately of your receipt of the email and then to
delete it and any attachments from your system.

NCBI endeavours to ensure that emails and any attachments generated
by its staff are free from viruses or other contaminants. However,
it cannot accept any responsibility for any such which are
transmitted. We therefore recommend you scan all attachments.

Please note that the statements and views expressed in this email
and any attachments are those of the author and do not necessarily
represent the views of NCBI


********************************************************************