Head First HTML with CSS

Head First: Hello target, we’re so glad you
could join us.
Target Attribute: I’m glad to be here. It’s
nice to know you’re still interested in hearing
about me.
Head First: Why do you say that?
Target: Well, to be honest, I’m not as popular
as I used to be.
Head First: Why do you think that is?
The Target Attribute Exposed
This week’s interview:
Using target considered bad?
Target: I think it’s because users want to be
in control of when a window opens. They
don’t always like new windows popping open at
unexpected times.
Head First: Well, it can be very confusing
– we’ve had complaints from people who end
up with so many windows on their screens, they
can’t find the original page.
Target: But it’s not like it’s difficult to get rid of
the windows... just click on the little close button.
What’s so hard about that?!
Head First: True, but if users don’t know
a new window has opened then they can
get confused. Sometimes the new window
completely covers the old window and it’s hard
to tell what’s happening. That can be confusing
for anyone, but especially for someone with a
visual impairment.
Target: Oh, I never thought of that.
Head First: Well, think about it: if someone’s
got their browser window magnified, and a
whole new window opens on top of the one
getting connected
they’re reading, it can be very confusing for
them. It’s hard to tell what’s going on when
you’re not looking at the whole screen at once.
Target: Yeah I suppose it would be. It’s
probably difficult for using screen readers, too.
Head First: Yup. Some screen readers play
a sound when a new window opens, but others
just ignore the new window completely, or else
they jump right to the new window immediately.
Either way, it’s gotta be confusing for someone
who can’t see what’s going on. And of course,
since the page is in a whole new window, there’s
no way to use the back button to get back to the
original window.
Target: [Sigh] I’m starting to see why I’m not
as popular as I used to be.
Head First: Don’t get too depressed; there are
times when it’s nice to have a new window open,
right?
Target: Yes, I always thought having those little
informational windows for “extra information”
was handy, and I’m especially proud when
people use me to open large versions of images.
That way, the user can view the large image and
then go right back to the main page.
Head First: Okay, see, you do come in handy
at times. We’ve just got to remember to use you
when it’s appropriate, but to keep in mind those
people who might be visually impaired and not
overuse you.
Target: Right!
you are here 159