Every web application I have ever designed I have always steered clear of links opening in new browser windows. And when I had no option in the matter I coded it such that the child window that popped up was always smaller than the parent (so the user can still see the parent in the background thus NOT causing disorientation).
When I go to a web site and click on links that force new browser windows to open, sorry for the language, I get the ” S#!t’s ” !
Why are web sites so afraid of the user leaving their web site. If they had done a half decent job in building up content and designing good usability then users will always come back .
This blog, and all my other web sites, never force new windows to open. If the user chooses to go to an external link, a link directed at a web page on another web site, then I’ll abide by there wishes and push them to that new web site.
In my application “Project SilverLight 1.1″, if I can help it, will NOT open up new windows. In the cases where it has to it will open up in a smaller sized window positioned center to the parent.
Well that’s my 5minute rant.
Oh and this weekend my first set of post’s for the “build” part of the “Project SilverLight 1.1″ will be released. Stay tuned for those!
