Dark mode, in short, is when the colour scheme of an application, website, or device interface changes from the usual light background to a darker one with light-coloured text. It is also known as dark theme or night mode because it makes it easier to read a device’s screen in low-light environments. Because more and more users expect to work with sites and apps in this theme nowadays, web designers have started to design sites in dark theme, or at least make the site night mode-friendly. This article will help web designers to understand user issues in this regard. We’ll also look at some of the best practices a web development company in Australia, or any other country, can follow to implement the mode.
Understanding its popularity
Web designers must take note of why apps and websites using dark theme as default, are becoming so popular with users. Reasons why users prefer this include the following:
- Less eye strain: The contrast between the light-coloured text and the darker background reduces eye strain, especially when reading text in low-light circumstances.
- It improves legibility: Users spending long periods looking at screens and those with visual sensitivities find that this theme enhances readability.
- Appealing look: Many users like night mode because it is aesthetically pleasing and modern and provides a sophisticated look.
- Power saving: It can conserve battery power on OLED screen devices because black pixels can be turned off.
Understand some user issues
Although night mode websites and apps are gaining popularity, there are users encountering issues with them. Sometimes the issues are so frustrating that they cause users to rather not go to dark theme websites or applications. The following are a few of the issues:
It may be challenging for people with certain visual impairments
Users with visual impairments such as low contrast sensitivity may find it difficult to distinguish between elements on their screens. Some colour-blind users may also have the same problem. The reduced contrast in night mode makes it harder for them to differentiate what is on the screen.
Not always consistent across platforms
It irritates users that dark mode’s implementation is not always consistent across platforms and applications. They don’t want to encounter readability, functionality, and accessibility issues when they switch between dark and light themes, and vice versa.
Accessibility issues
Many users use specific features on their devices to get access to and navigate digital interfaces successfully. Sometimes dark theme preferences conflict with the set preferences at system level. This causes confused and frustrated users.
Implementation aspects a web development agency should keep in mind
The designers in a reputable web development agency can overcome many user issues by keeping the following in mind:
- Graphics – Graphics must look good in dark and light mode. For successful company website development designers must ensure that parts of the graphics don’t become invisible against the background.
- Readability – Website development must not have a negative influence on legibility. Website designers must remember that very thin or very thick fonts are not always easily readable in night mode. Poor colour contrast can also be a reason for poor legibility.
- Page organisation – Page dividers must be visible in dark and light modes. Remember, thin dividers can easily become invisible in dark theme.
Conclusion
Websites and applications in dark mode are becoming very popular and web designers should take note of the issues some users may encounter. Users who get frustrated with a dark theme site or app are often never returning to that site again.