In general, it's better not to force an action onto users. You might prefer things opening in a new tab, but you always have that option. If it's forced on users, it is frustrating for those who would prefer that not to happen.
That's a good user setting, but as opening in the same tab is the default browser behaviour then it should really stay that way. Opening in a new tab takes control away from the user.
100% agree. I had to install a browser extension when I use HN with such (vs app on android, when it does it by default), just to force open links to new tabs.
I do as well, but I think it's good practice to put something like in a user preference setting somewhere if you are going to stray from default browser/system behavior.
I was trying to sarcastically imply that no such same-tab-enabling key existed, and that this was therefore a bad suggestion. (Didn't know it does exist on Safari either!)
I like the new tab as well. Otherwise I will forget what I went to. My process is to go through an interesting site, like HN, and then be able to see these interesting sites after that.
I guess it depends on a persons web workflow though
The downvotes are because the discussion isn't really about "which option do users prefer". It's actually about returning user choice. As the original comment said: "If I want a separate tab, I can Cmd+click and Browsers don't have the reverse option for opening in the same window."
So when you say "Nope!", you're being downvoted because you're implicitly saying "actually users don't deserve choice".
In general, it's better not to force an action onto users. You might prefer things opening in a new tab, but you always have that option. If it's forced on users, it is frustrating for those who would prefer that not to happen.
[flagged]
And yet we're here, discussing how a developer should change their own application because their preference is wrong
If you don't like it, adjust it for yourself with an extension or script.
Exactly. This is a design choice and there’s no right or wrong here.
4 replies →
i mean, is a small user preferences page out of the question here? the majority of web users arent going to write a js extension.
2 replies →
That's a good user setting, but as opening in the same tab is the default browser behaviour then it should really stay that way. Opening in a new tab takes control away from the user.
Exactly. I prefer to open in the same page. If I want to open in new tab then I can always Ctrl + Click. I don't think I can do the reverse though.
This. Principle of least surprise.
Next they’ll be defending full screen div paywalls.
100% agree. I had to install a browser extension when I use HN with such (vs app on android, when it does it by default), just to force open links to new tabs.
Have you considered middle clicking instead of leftclicking?
I'd rather have an icon next to the link that implies "Open in new Tab" like one of these with the arrow:
https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/new-tab
> I'd rather have an icon next to the link that implies "Open in new Tab" like one of these with the arrow:
That is a valid option for detachable UI elements seen in desktop apps.
Opening links in a separate tab or window is not that thought. That is a first class user flow in web design.
I too prefer that, but i don't want to force that choice on othet people.
CTRL+left click is ingrained in me now anyway.
I do as well, but I think it's good practice to put something like in a user preference setting somewhere if you are going to stray from default browser/system behavior.
And people who prefer the other way can just hold down _____ while clicking to open it in the current tab instead.
Good ol' _____-clicking saves the day again!
only on a mac, and probably only on safari which leaves the majority of people in the lurch.
I was trying to sarcastically imply that no such same-tab-enabling key existed, and that this was therefore a bad suggestion. (Didn't know it does exist on Safari either!)
2 replies →
why the downvotes, I meant to demonstrate that I prefer the current behaviour so the site developer knows.
I like the new tab as well. Otherwise I will forget what I went to. My process is to go through an interesting site, like HN, and then be able to see these interesting sites after that.
I guess it depends on a persons web workflow though
The downvotes are because the discussion isn't really about "which option do users prefer". It's actually about returning user choice. As the original comment said: "If I want a separate tab, I can Cmd+click and Browsers don't have the reverse option for opening in the same window."
So when you say "Nope!", you're being downvoted because you're implicitly saying "actually users don't deserve choice".
The downvoters meant to demonstrate that they prefer the standard/expected behavior and would like OP to ignore your opinion on the matter.
I didn't downvote, because the poster had a reasonable opinion stated politely, but I still really hope the OP ignores his opinion.