One Step Backward

It vexes me that some browsers today still assign the "back one page" function to the backspace/delete key. Even in the auto-draft-save era, accidental page backs are still an issue as partially-filled form fields are often out of focus. There are ways to disable it in some browsers, though it's debatable whether such a crucial key should be dual-purpose.

Backspace back-deletes text when form fields in the page are in focus, but goes back a page otherwise. These fields frequently come in and out of focus, which just increases the likelihood of the mishap of losing unsaved form data that much more. (Not every browser remembers unsaved form data when returning forward one page.)

Did someone think it was a good idea to use "backspace" because it reminded them of "back"? Backspace/delete keys suggest something destructive - it doesn't just move the cursor in a text context, but removes characters along its way too. Navigating back one page is not a destructive act. It's navigation, much like moving a cursor with the left arrow key.

All we have now are website-implemented safeguards - your auto-drafts, or perhaps JS detection of the "back" key to prompt the user when forms are on the page. But these aren't solutions because you can't depend on every site to be designed well to begin with.

There has to be a better way.