Forum Discussion
Should links open in a new window?
Hey folks,
Just wanted to throw a usability question out to the masses since it has become a subject of debate between a couple of us.
When you click on link on a webpage, do you prefer that it:
A) Opens in a new tab
B) Opens in a new window
c) Opens in the existing tab
Why?
Personally, I prefer that links open in a new tab, because I don't want to lose the original page.
Looking forward to hearing your opinions!
Allison
34 Replies
A new tab is the best of both worlds :-)
Thanks for weighing in everyone! Seems like we're all more or less on the same page (or tab, as it were).
Opens in a new tab.
Opening in the same tab is one of my most hated options on the internet.
I sense you have strong feelings about this issue, Joshua! hehe
Haha - you'd be right. Perhaps a little too strong...
@Joshua: I am with you 100% on this one!
Sure, new tab is going to be best.
Allison, just curious, what's the argument against a new tab?
Hey Brett - The argument against forcing website links to open in new windows or tabs (based on browser) is that you're overriding the user's experience.
Since most people know to open links in tabs or new windows (Ctrl-click or Shift-click), the school of thought is to let people manage their own windows and tabs.
Exceptions: non .html file types (pdfs, movies, etc) where a pop-up window can be used.
Give control to your learner... I mean user:-)
Hi David - I take your point (their point?) about users controlling their own web experience but in most cases aren't we developing a training experience that just happens to use the web as its medium of delivery? While I hate having a bunch of open window/tabs I think it's preferrable to having people jump out of your training altogether to follow a link.
Interesting discussion.
LOL Good point of clarification, Brett!
I assumed we were talking about websites. Totally agree w/ you re: course links.
Allison: Were you talking about websites or courses?
@David: I was talking about Websites initially, but it can be applied to courses as well.
New tab!!
@Allison
Shame on me. :-) I was the first person who commented about e-learning and set all on the wrong track. *sorry
If we are only talking about websites (let's take the community as an example) it is a better idea when the new content opens in the current browser window. I do not like it so much if for each click a new window opens. At the end of a day (and this is not a phrase in this case) your browser opens 99 + tabs.
No worries, Ralf! This is a wonderful topic. I love hearing both sides of the issue.
@Ralf: No worries! It would've made sense that we were talking about e-learning. ;)
I love this discussion!
I definitely agree with the new tab option. My browser would be a complete disaster area if it weren't for tabs (and the ability to pin them)!
