touchscreen - Eric Feminella

HTML5 Elements: The <base> Tag

The HTML5 Specification introduces many new semantic elements, as well as specifications for existing elements; one of which is the <base> Tag, which allows for specifying a root URL from which all linkable elements in a document (hyperlinks, images etc.) are based, as well as a default target for all linkable elements.

Overview

The <base> Tag provides two attributes; href (Hyper-text Reference) and target, respectively, which have the same semantic meaning as that of a hyperlink.
Only a single <base> Tag is to be defined per page and, must be defined before any elements which except a URL are defined (other than the html element).

Note: While the <base> Tag is not new to HTML5, the changes to the a Tag implies a difference (albeit, marginal) as, a Tags are always hyperlinks, or placeholders for hyperlinks.

Example

Like all HTML markup, usage of the <base> Tag is easy and straightforward: Simply add a single <base> Tag in the <head> element of the document and define either a base URL and / or default target attribute.

Defining a default base URL and target:

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

</head>

<body>

<nav>

<a href="aboutus.php">About Us</a>

<a href="contactus.php">Contact Us</a>

</nav>

</body>

</html>

The above links will all default to a blank target (new page), with each link’s base URL defaulting to “http://somedomain/app”. Individual links can override the base URL as well as the default target.

Support

The <base> Tag is currently supported by all major browsers.

September 1, 2011 HTML5

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A Step Backwards In Usability?

I recently read a preview of a column which is to be published in the next addition of ACM CHI magazine, Interactions. This particular article is a rather interesting read in that it touches upon what the authors argue are the many short-comings in current Gestural Interfaces; stating that they pose a huge step backwards in terms of Usability.

This may not have raised many eyebrows if it were not for the expertise of the articles authors, Donald A. Norman and Jakob Nielsen; both of whom know quite a bit about HCI.

Experimentation in new technology and the process of learning what works and what does not can be challenging. This article raises some important, yet mostly overlooked, concerns surrounding new technologies which are built upon Gestural Interfaces; i.e. current touch screen devices such as iOS and Android. Certainly a good read for anyone interested in Touch Screen development. Gestural Interfaces: A Step Backwards In Usability

May 30, 2011 News / UX Design

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