Ideally they should warn or give some indication that they're going to open in a new window.
I know the way i personally browse sites means I hate it when they open things in new windows. If i want new windows, I hold control down as I click, or middle click, or whatever. It's default functionality for almost every browser now. If the site is poorly written and i can't do that because it's trying to run some javascript, it is frustrating, as I shouldn't have a link that isn't a link on my screen. (But this is a different issue) On Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 5:58 PM, Glen Wallis <glen.wal...@velocitynet.com.au > wrote: > Hello all > > > > I am interested to know whether the people on this list consider opening a > new window without alerting the user to be a failure to conform to Success > Criterion 3.2.2 of WCAG 2.0. > > > > The success criterion is as follows: > > > > *3.2.2 On Input:* Changing the setting of any user interface component > does not automatically cause a change of context unless the user has been > advised of the behaviour before using the component. (Level A) > > The key phrases, I believe are “user interface component” and “change of > context”. I looked up the definitions of both phrases. The glossary states > quite clearly that a link is a user interface component and that a change of > context includes opening a new window. However, the document “Understanding > SC 3.2.2” says > > *“Additional Techniques (Advisory) for 3.2.2* > > Although not required for conformance, the following additional techniques > should be considered in order to make content more accessible. Not all > techniques can be used or would be effective in all situations. > > - Giving users advanced warning when opening a new window. (future > link)” > > This seems like a contradiction. The WCAG 2.0 Recommendation is the only > normative document, so it should take precedence over the Understanding > document. However, the Understanding document specifically states that > warning the user is not required for conformance. > > > > ******************************************************************* > List Guidelines: http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm > Unsubscribe: http://webstandardsgroup.org/join/unsubscribe.cfm > Help: memberh...@webstandardsgroup.org > ******************************************************************* ******************************************************************* List Guidelines: http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm Unsubscribe: http://webstandardsgroup.org/join/unsubscribe.cfm Help: memberh...@webstandardsgroup.org *******************************************************************
