Links open in a new window or the same?

July 6, 2008
Published Krzysztof P.

Not so very long ago (about a year ago) is engaged in discussions about how to open links. In principle, one could then distinguish two fronts:

Proponents of opening links in new window (even popups)
Proponents of opening links in same window

Each group advocated their arguments, tried to refute counterarguments, and the second group participated vigorously in the discussion.

One of the main oręży people that are calling for opening links in new window was to keep you within the same site as long as possible. In addition, it argued its position that the opening pages of the dialog requires the user to search the previous content by using the "back", thus also reduces the chance of his return to our site (as ichnim think you was a character quite lazy).

Group to promote open links in same window pop-ups blocking phenomenon reproached. Whatever the case, open a new maximized window to the phenomenon of the opening of the popup. And the advertisers loved in its time to say the least inflection, which is better zaaplikowały default browser to block such efforts. Of course there were also voices such as not using the target tag, or the need to open a new window reliance on JavaScript.

Either way, the discussion died down at some point, and the provisions and its fruits were as follows:

All links to external sites should open in a new window

A few days ago, the editors of Smashing Magazine put on the site article (Should Links Open In New Windows?) , which reminded me of the above discussion and in a sense forced to reflect again on the problem: links open in a new window or the same?

What follows from the above article?

people like to have control
Users should decide for themselves what they want to do
use the context menu is familiar to users
use the browser back button, it is not unusual for the user
if the user wants to leave the page, and so finds a way to do it and keep it on the strength only increases negative emotions

In total, up to now he has a policy of opening external links in new window. Strongly advise against the use of pop-ups (as a reduced-size window without menu navigation), as they are often blocked, and blocking pop-up window, noticing with some browsers is severe (see Firefox). Bury also open files for download in a new window - I suggest packing them into a zip-a. Then in most browsers, abrasion of the file is the same.

I'm not entirely convinced of the abilities of the average user and the use of options open in a new window, new tab. Also, knowledge of the function Ctrl + Clik or MBC (middle button click) for me is not as popular as she could seem (at least among people with average knowledge).

The argument for keeping the user on the strength of the site is one of the strongest and I think it really should not trivialize this. Proposed by the authors of Smashing Magazine, an alternative solution using JavaScript and the checkbox, and it seems to me quite strange and I think the chances of noticing and use of this function for the average user is small. But I always admit I'm wrong. What do you think about this? Open links in new or open in the same window? And if the new is that link?

Below I present my proposals at the moment. I suppose that with time they will evolve.

In the same window open:

links to the same service
Anchors
downloads the zip, pdf (all the text files are packed into a zip-a)
links to external sites are not burdened with graphics

In the new window open:

downloads in mp3, qt, avi
links to external sites loaded with graphics (especially the flash websites)
help links
Links contained within the page containing the online store cart
links leading outside of the administration panel
links leading outside panel of bank account
changing way of connecting links: https -> http and http -> https

Question:
Does anyone of you has namiarami the results of investigation of the use by the user or the context menu of the browser back button? I'd looked at them.