PHSA websites don’t use anchor links (links on a page to another place on the same page).
The idea is to structure the page with tabs and accordions so that visitors can see headings for all the content at a glance when they open the page, or to describe where the content is on the page.
It’s better to lay out the page so that content is easily found, and to point to a specific place with words, so the visitor knows what to look for when they get to the page.
When writing a cross reference (a link to another place on the page), give:
the exact subheading or tab heading or accordion panel title that has the content
an idea of where to find the content on the page or what type of content to look for, if needed
the page title, linked to the url for that page (if linking to another page)
- See the Bookstore booklets tab.
- See the Referrals section.
- See the Voiding Diary handout under the Quick links section.
- See Puberty hormones in Endocrine Conditions.
- See the Resources section at the bottom of the Hearing Problems page.
Here’s a bit more information about anchors, and the rationale for not using them.
According to usability experts, anchors should be avoided unless content really requires it. With PHSA’s new website templates, most text can be accommodated better within accordions, tabs, or web parts, therefore eliminating the need for anchors. Anchors:
are only required on extremely long pages, which should be avoided where possible
can add visual clutter
can look dated on new websites
can affect a browser’s navigation buttons
“One major problem with “top” links is that they have an impact on the browser’s navigation buttons and as such pollute the browsing history.
Because “top” links are anchors just like any other links, clicking on the browser’s “Back” button will take users to the foot of the page they are currently viewing, not to the previous page.
On top of that, accessibility experts claim that “Back to top” links may disrupt the use of speech-based user agents, that the “top” concept is vague and that “Back to top” links are not used consistently across websites.”
This information is from “Back to Top” links considered harmful (from the free information site IT and communication by Jukka "Yucca" Korpela).
