By now, you must have heard of Dark Mode in web design being used as a trend all over the world when it comes to app and web design. The difference is in the default settings of the application or a website, where the background is a dark theme, allowing for light elements and text to be visible. Dark mode in web design provides more than just an aesthetic improvement: it also allows for eye comfort and other types of accessibility. Today, we will discuss the pros, guidelines, and, most importantly, the underlying reasons why web designers consider dark mode efficient.
What Is Dark Mode In Web Design?
Dark mode is also called the night mode because it is used in adjusting the dark background of an application or website. As a result, the text, icons, and most of the graphical elements are replaced with light colours. This change is expected to enhance the user experience of visiting mobile apps, websites, and even operating systems.
Some notable platforms that support dark mode include:
Browsers: Chrome and Safari
Operating Systems: Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows
Productivity Apps: Slack, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
Social Media: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Benefits of Dark Mode in Web Design:
1. Greater User Ease
The benefit of Dark Mode is the reduced strain it has on the user’s sight, especially in settings that have lower levels of brightness. With the minimized brightness of dark mode, one can expect reduced strain on their eyes while using a phone or other screens.
2. Readability in Dim Environments Enhanced Further
With dark mode, users can now easily read any content on any device in low light at night or during traveling hours. This is the best benefit of dark mode Overly bright backgrounds cause harsh glares to come from screens, but with the use of dark mode, this issue is solved.
3. Power Optimization
While utilizing the benefit of dark mode on devices that consist of AMOLED or OLED, power consumption decreases severely. Looking at a black screen expends less energy than other colored pixels, which provides the user with the ability to save battery on smartphones and tablets.
4. Stylish and Modern Appearance
The benefit of dark mode is that it renders a contemporary feel while remaining appealing to look at. This feature is capable of rendering websites more modern and stylish, inviting users who are inclined towards technology.
5. Benefits For Accessibility
The benefit of dark mode For accessibility, users who struggle with photophobia or vision-related problems find great aid in dark mode. It enhances viewability by providing an alternative option.
6. User Preference And Differentiation
There can be a competitive advantage in the market when dark mode is provided to users as an option on websites. A majority of users are inclined towards expecting dark mode support within newer websites and applications.
Principles of Web Design in Dark Mode:
When optimally creating a black/dark mode, there are specific guidelines that help designers make aesthetic and usable goals towards screens.
1. Readability And Contrast
- Avoid absolute white on text and dark navy for the background; instead, use dark grey for the background to prevent eye strain.
2. Color Intersection
- Accent colors should be used minimally but effectively for emphasis.
- Always test the selected colors together to avoid unappealing pairings.
3. Typography
- Fonts should be selected with sign literacy in mind.
- Space and line height should be set in a way that improves reading ease.
4. Unified Branding
- The dark theme of your brand should fit their visual style.
- Though incorporating brand colors, it still prioritizes the users’ experience.
5. Iconography and Graphics
- To enhance visibility, avoid including vivid graphical elements/icons.
- Too many graphics or very detailed graphics on dark backgrounds should be avoided due to the potential loss of clarity.
6. Cross-Device Testing
- Test the dark mode design on various devices and screens to check for a similar user experience.
- Check for the aesthetics and appeal of the content.
Best Practices of Web Design in Dark Mode
1. Mechanism to Alter the Design
- Enable users to pick between a dark or light mode.
- For easier alteration, use a toggle slide button.
2. User Preferences Detection
- Use CSS media queries to detect system settings, incorporating dark mode by default when needed.
Example: @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) { /* Dark mode styles */ }
3. Enhance Images for Dark Mode
- To cater to different backgrounds, transparent PNG or SVG images should be used.
- Try to avoid using dark-mode images with white backgrounds, as they can seem too bright to the viewer.
4. Uphold Accessibility norms
- Make sure the colors selected comply with WCAG’s (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrasting standards.
- Add alt text to the images and perform checks with screen readers.
5. Incorporate Fine Shadows and Lights
- Make the design more sophisticated by including fine shadows and lights.
- With this method, the design elements are properly separated, but the user is never bombarded by them.
6. Prioritize Performance
- Minimise loading times by optimizing CSS and JavaScript.
- Check that the performance of the website did not suffer with the integration of the new dark mode.
The Issues With Incorporating Dark Mode
Incorporating dark mode comes with features that are very beneficial and in extremely high demand. However, it does have some drawbacks for the designers and developers.
1. Issues With Readability
Insufficient contrasting colors can create issues with readability. It is important to choose the right colors.
2. Issues With Includes
Not all images can be used on dark backgrounds and will need to be edited to suit the background.
3. Varying User Preferences
There is an audience that prefers light mode, so it is important to enable these users to switch modes.
4. Testing Issues
Integrating dark mode will create even more devices and browsers where compatibility testing is required.
Appropriate Industries And Use For Dark Mode
Dark mode can be used in various industries and sectors:
Content Platforms: News sites and vlogs can include a dark mode for readers who want to browse at night.
E-commerce: Dark mode has the potential to amp up the class and modernity of the entire online shopping experience.
Social Media: The engagement of users on the application is somehow increased because of the use of dark modes.
Productivity Tools: Dark mode mitigates the tiredness of a person’s eyesight who has to work for extended periods.
The Advantages that Users get from Dark Mode
1. Eye discomfort is greatly reduced
Using dark mode is less sane, especially when used over longer periods.
2. Control and Customization
Users have complete control over their unique preferences regarding their viewing experience.
3. Aesthetic Appeal Improvement
Several people find it more modern and appealing.
4. Boosted Battery Life
More so on OLED and AMOLED screens, dark mode saves battery power.
5. Design Inclusivity
Dark mode is designed with people who need accessibility features in mind.
Web Design in Dark Mode Predictions:
There is increased experimentation by designers to make clever use of dark mode. Some of these new ones are:
Neumorphism: A design approach that adds depth appearance through soft shading.
Minimalism: A design that is clean with a clutter-free look focused on core contents.
Gradient Accents: Shows a reshape of colour on the edges of a dark background to give depth.
Dynamic Colour Schemes: A design that changes based on user activity.
Conclusion:
The Web Design in Dark Mode option is a modern, user-friendly approach offering superior readability, less eye strain, and battery conservation. With the aid of design principles and best practices, designers are capable of creating unique dark-mode designs that are functional and appealing to the users. In the digital world we are a part of, the benefit of dark mode has become increasingly accepted, and adopting it as a strategy is beneficial for UX designers.
