Picto thématique

Rule n° 141 - The user is notified when new windows are to be opened.

Contrary to popular legend, open a new window is not a technique banned on the accessibility plan. However, if you choose to do so, be sure to warn users.

#Accessibility #Links #Development #Editorial

Goal

  • Allow users to anticipate what will happen when a link is activated.
  • Prevent users of technical aids from becoming disoriented when a new window opens, which Is not always perceptible and which disrupts the use of the browsing history, in particular.
  • Improve the accessibility of content for people with disabilities.

Implementation

Add a note of the "(new window)" type, either directly in the wording of the link, or in its title attribute which must then take over and complete the caption.

Add a note of the type "(new window)" in the control labels form, in button labels or in any other object that opens a new window.

Find out more:

Control

In the pages checked:

  • Identify the links and other controls for opening a new window, i.e.:
    • The uses of the target attribute in the generated HTML source;
    • The uses of the window.open functionality using a search in the JavaScript files and in the HTML source;
  • For each of these links, regardless of the technology used, check for the presence of an explicit warning that can be consulted before any action.

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