UX’ing the uxer
I’ve been working on my UX portfolio using Uxfol.io. All in all, it’s been pretty smooth. There is one limitation that is making my little UX heart cringe: when I try to cross-link, within my site to highlight case studies, it opens the link in a new tab. BOOOOO! This bothers me so much I put a disclaimer up on the site.
So let's talk about when it's good usability to open a new tab:
Eternal links (but please use the external link icon so users know what to expect when clicking)
Downloadable content: Opening a new tab can prevent users from navigating away from the page they were on. This ensures they can quickly return to the original content after the download.
Help or Documentation Pages: This makes it easy for the user to reference the help page while looking at the page on which they need help. Huzzah!
Comparative or shopping: I find it helpful to see both of those Adidas shoes side by side before buying. (Note: If you like this article, send me links to cool Adidas drops at eeeeevon@gmail.com.)
Now, let's look at why (in most instances) it’s not a good idea to open links (that fall outside of the list above) in a new tab:
It breaks the flow
Users typically expect to stay on the same site when they click on a link. Opening a new tab disrupts their flow, forcing them to adjust their mental model of navigation. It's like if you see a shoe-sized box under the tree, and you get excited and think it's that pair of Stan Smith Boba Fett powder blue shoes, and it's a box of old phone chargers that don't even work on your phone. (And, yes, this article is just a way to try and get Adidas to sponsor me and send me shoes)
It creates a sense of loss of control
Users generally prefer to have control over their browsing experience. Opening a new tab without warning can make them feel like their choices have been overridden. This loss of agency can create an unsettling experience, leading to dissatisfaction and disengagement from the content.
It increases cognitive load
Managing multiple tabs can overwhelm users, especially those less tech-savvy. Each new tab increases cognitive load, making it harder to track progress or remember tasks, often leading to task abandonment or confusion.
It disrupts the back button
Opening links in new tabs can also lead to confusion about the website's navigation structure. Users might need to realize that they have left the original site, which can complicate their ability to return.
It breaks the norms
While I will always encourage you to let your freak flag fly, in this case, we want to be a “normie”. When links unexpectedly open in new tabs, this goes against this established norm, leading to a jarring experience that feels inconsistent and unpredictable."
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User preference: Studies have shown that over 60% of users prefer links to open in the same tab. Research indicates that users find it more convenient to manage their navigation within a single window rather than juggling multiple tabs, which can lead to increased task abandonment.
--Nielsen, L., & Meier, B. D. B. (2014). The effect of opening links in new tabs on web user experience.
Cognitive Load Theory, by John Sweller, suggests that managing multiple tabs can overwhelm limited working memory, reducing the ability to process information and make decisions effectively.
-- Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem-solving: Effects on learning* Cognitive Science
Accessibility concerns: Opening links in new tabs can be particularly challenging for users with disabilities. Screen readers may not announce that a new tab has opened, leaving visually impaired users unaware that they have navigated away from the original content.
-W3C. (2014). *Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
Impact on conversion rates: Having too many distractions (like new tabs) can significantly impact conversion rates on landing pages. Users who feel overwhelmed are less likely to complete desired actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or purchasing
-- 6 Powerful Ways UX Can Affect Your Conversion Rates