24 May 2004
HTML design issue with links
One of the eminently respectable HTML design gurus declared links that open new browser windows as UI-unfriendly. This is obviously something I use consciously and consistently, and now I have to rethink that decision.
My main argument was based on personal habit. When articles reference an external source, I always open that external source in a new window. I don't like having to use the back and next buttons to refer to both texts.
Nielsen's argument is that opening new windows is a hostile way to try to keep users on your site. He also points out that the user can choose to open a new window if they want to.
The second argument, although Nielsen glosses over it very quickly, is complelling. A _blank target eliminates a choice they would otherwise have from the context menu.
I am undecided.
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