[Sigia-l] Re: Pop-ups query

[Laura Carlson]

> I think the issue of popups is relevant to website design
>  - especially if blocking is used more and more.

As Dey mentioned increasing pop-up browser blocking mechanisms and the 
number of people using them are issues. In addition it is good to keep 
a few other things in mind.

Although most users are familiar with the idea of closing external 
windows, some users will be confused. Some people with cognitive 
disabilities fit this description. Also changing the current window or 
popping up new windows can be very disorienting to users who cannot see 
that this has happened.

Most users of assistive technology prefer not having to deal with 
multiple browser windows, especially unannounced ones. It's a spatial 
orientation issue. Keeping focus on multiple windows is often 
problematic for people with visual impairments.

Finally, alternative user agents may not support multiple screen 
windows, and/or older machines may experience a performance hit if 
running multiple browser windows.

If a client insists on having a link open in a new window, I would 
suggest explicitly warning the user with a clear indication that the 
link will open in a different window. Also it is a good idea to provide 
a title attribute with a description indicating that the link opens a 
new window.

Some references:
http://www.d.umn.edu/goto/usability#popups

All the best,
Laura
___________________________________________
Laura L. Carlson
Information Technology Systems and Services
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN, U.S.A.  55812-3009
http://www.d.umn.edu/goto/webdesign/