Open PDF in a new tab, not a modal

[mwestereng1]

As a party to a case, I need PDF previews of documents I'm filing to open in a new tab instead of a modal, so that I can confirm I am filing the correct document.

When parties in a case file a document, the document preview opens in a modal instead of a new window. Here are some reasons for updating the PDF preview for filing documents:

• Document previews in the external online petition generator open in a new tab (this is the model we would like to follow for PDF previews).
• Documents filed in a case open in a new tab.
• Magnifying the PDF in the modal makes it difficult to view the PDF.
• The modal restricts the options for interacting with the PDF via tab and VO.

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Instances of where document previews open in a modal

Petition QC - Internal Process https://app.test.ef-cms.ustaxcourt.gov/file-a-petition/step-1

1. Log in as a Petitions Clerk (or any other court user who can "Start a Petition")
2. "Start a Petition" and Create Case and/or Review & Serve Petition > Select the attachments to preview

File First IRS Document - External Parties

1. Login as an IRS Practitioner
2. Search for a case that has been served to the IRS > File First IRS Documents > on the Review Filiing screen, open the PDF preview

Represent a Party - External Parties

1. Login as a Private Practitioner and search for a case, or a DOJ Attorney and search for a case that is On Appeal
2. Select Represent a Party > on the Review Filiing screen, open the PDF preview

File a Document - External Parties

1. Login as a Petitioner, Private Practitioner, IRS Practitioner, or DOJ Attorney
2. Select a case they're a party to > File a Document > on the Review Filiing screen, open the PDF preview

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Examples of PDFs opening in a modal

"Review & Serve Petition"

"File a Document"

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Pre-Conditions:

None

Acceptance Criteria:

• [ ] Primary document preview opens in a new tab.
• [ ] Supporting document preview opens in a new tab (if applicable).
• [ ] The user is alerted that the link opens in a new tab.
• [ ] Mobile documents open in a new window and do not need to be addressed.
• [ ] Determine if user documentation needs to be updated (Tenille): Y / N

Pain Avoided/Frustration Saved:

Breadth/Pervasiveness of Problem: Affects external parties to a case filing documents.

Complexity of Problem (Low, Medium, High) and Why it's Complex: Low

[mwestereng1]

Discussion from 10/16 Dev/UX meeting on possible options to alert the user that the link opens in a new tab:

• Add a tooltip to the file link that can be read by a screen reader and also shows the user when hovering over the link that it opens in a new tab.

• Add the opens in a new tab icon to the end of the file name

• Other concerns/discussion:

  • Always open links in the same window, we should never be opening links in new tabs
    • Pros - Best for accessibility
    • Cons - Navigation away from an in process filing causes loss of data entered into the form. If user closes the tab they will lose their progress and need to start their petition or filing from the beginning.
  • Opening PDFs in a new tab seems to make sense
  • Internal web links open in separate tabs - Possible survey or investigation into if this is necessary and how court staff uses