On 5 Oct 2009, at 21:17, Kim Burgess wrote:
The target="_blank" debate is an interesting one. Initially I
stopped using it as it wasn't included in the core XHTML 1.1
(although it can be added as module). Recently I've considered the
appropriateness of its use a lot more and settled on utilizing
unobtrusive JavaScript (JS) to give anchors which posses a "rel"
attribute with a value of "external" a behaviour which causes them
to open up in a fresh window. I'll also utilize JS append a small
graphic to the link that signifies it will open a new window and
append "(opens in a new window)" to the title attribute to give the
user some extra info in their tool-tip.
[snip]
I've never done a usability test where having external links open in
new windows has had a positive effect (outside of small informational
popups and comparisons where separate windows help.). At best it seems
to have no negative effect. At worst it causes annoyance and/or
confusion.
I've never looked at any web site logs where switching links to/from
opening in new windows has made any difference to the users length of
time on site, number of conversions, etc.
So - while doing this is obviously an improvement on surprising the
user with a new window - does it make it better than leaving them in
the same window? If not, why do we do it? Just to avoid the discussion
with the client on why it's not a good idea? :-)
Have other peoples experiences been different?
Cheers,
Adrian
--
http://quietstars.com - twitter.com/adrianh - delicious.com/adrianh
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