When is it acceptable to make clicking a hyperlink open a new browser window?
Does there need to be an indication on the link or image that makes this occur?
What are the guidelines – and why?
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When is it acceptable to make clicking a hyperlink open a new browser window?
Does there need to be an indication on the link or image that makes this occur?
What are the guidelines – and why?
Never. Really. If a client asks for this, talk him out of it.
As for why: because it’s bad design. Users don’t expect windows to pop up. Browsers don’t all handle popups the same. It could get pretty confusing on a small handheld device with limited screen space. It could confuse visually impaired users (those using screen readers). People don’t expect it, because they see it less and less. You don’t want to surprise your visitors, you want them to have a comfortable, predictable experience.