From being just a cool feature earlier, the Dark mode has currently become an essential design option. From applications to operating systems to websites (or in fact almost anything else out there), the increasingly familiar sleek dark interface option is being expected by the users, and there are even those who consciously prefer it. That being said, designing for dark mode is not just an issue of inverting colours. It requires purposeful decisions in the design to make sure that it remains usable, consistent, and accessible.
In this blog, experts at Light Buzz Media, a top web designing company, share some advantages and disadvantages of dark mode and common practices.
Advantages of Dark Mode
- More Comfortable for the Eyes at Night
Dark mode lowers screen brightness, which could be easier on the eyes when the environment is dark. This makes it a great choice for users who want to surf the internet while it is nighttime or for others who want to stay in a dark room. - Better Battery Life
For devices with an OLED or AMOLED screen, the pixels that show the black colour need not emit much light; therefore, light energy is consumed at a lower rate. This probably returns a longer average battery life for a device, especially for mobile devices. - Fancy Look
Dark interface tends to look slick and modern, appealing to a minimalist design approach. Dark mode holds a stronger cachet of quality and style for apps aiming to be truly geeky or design-geek. - Focus and Contrast
Dark interface usually makes sure the important UI elements, like buttons or text fields, stand out so that they get the user's attention.
Cons of Dark Mode
- Legibility Issues:
Sometimes, when contrast ratios are not set properly or text colours are poorly chosen, it leads to mental stress, especially the longer one looks at it. Light text on a dark background allows people to focus on spacing and typography. - Inconsistent Branding:
Some brand colours just don’t look well on a dark background. Designers often end up tweaking hues and producing alternative assets in order to maintain a cohesive look. - Accessibility Concerns:
Those who are slightly impaired with conditions like astigmatism are given a hard time by dark mode. Text on a black background may be difficult to read and may appear blurry or with a halo sort of effect. - Not Always Appropriate:
Sites involving professional content or very content-heavy platforms like blogs or news outlets might not give a comfortable reading experience in dark mode.
Best Practices for Designing in Dark Mode by experts at Light Buzz Media, a Leading Web Designing Agency
- Avoid True Blacks:
Do not choose pure black for your background. Take a look at dark greys; they reduce eye strain and prevent that harsh flicker effect. - Proper Contrast Maintenance:
Make certain that there is enough contrast between the text and the background in accordance with the accessibility guidelines. You can use tools like Contrast Checker. - Do Not Use Shadows for Depth:
Shadow effects show less or no visibility while in dark mode. Instead, make use of elevation through brightness contrast or use subtle outlines to denote hierarchy and interaction. - Testing in Both Modes:
Designing and QAing should be in both light and dark modes. Always check that the UI elements, such as icons, texts, and background images, work well in all scenarios.
Dark mode is more than just another design trend, it is an expectation of the users currently. Done well, it naturally improves user experience and looks contemporary. It even helps in saving battery. However, it is not always helpful. The best dark mode respects visual comfort, branding integrity, and accessibility foremost.
You can partner with the best web design company, like Light Buzz Media, which can help you offer a website in dark mode that excites the users even when there is no light around.