target='_blank' considered harmful
Dan McGarry
it.psl at fsp.org.vu
Wed Apr 12 22:12:24 UTC 2006
Quick usability note concerning the link to the Ubuntu wiki on
help.ubuntu.com:
Using target='_blank' in an anchor element without first notifying the
user that the link, when clicked, will open a new window, is not
advisable. New users especially find the sudden appearance of a new
window quite alarming, and often react as if they've done something wrong.
I'd suggest one of two solutions:
1) Insert a parenthetical note to tell users it opens a new window. If
this choice is taken, I'd further suggest styling the link so that it
can be visually distinguished from local 'same window' links.
2) Trust the user to know what they're doing and link everything except
pop-ups in the same window.
Ideally, this would be integrated consistently with link behaviour in
all visually similar (i.e. official Ubuntu) sites.
Best,
--
Dan McGarry it.psl at fsp.org.vu
IT Consultant
Community Communications Project
More information about the ubuntu-doc
mailing list