Dark Mode: How Users Think About It and Issues to Avoid

Over the past few years, the introduction of dark mode has been a real turning point in UX design. Back in 2016, Apple introduced Night Shift, an option which reduces the blue light emitted by your devices and reduce eye strain late at night. They then later introduced dark mode, an option that allowed users to make the content of their screen theme darker somewhat like night mode. Soon after Android phones followed suit with a similar feature.

The introduction of dark mode has helped enhance user experience and reduce eye strain as well as producing a visually appealing aesthetic. By prioritising dark mode in UX design, we can create interfaces that are both visually pleasing and user-friendly, ultimately boosting engagement and satisfaction.

Below I listed a few reasons why implementing Dark Mode could help enhance my designs:

  1. Reduced Eye Strain Dark mode is dark backgrounds with light text which is believed to reduce eye strain especially in low-light conditions. The lower brightness of dark mode is considered less harsh on the eyes, making it more comfortable for users during extended periods of use particularly in the evening or in dimly lit environments.
  2. Improved Visibility of Content Dark mode enhances the visibility of certain types of content. Light-coloured text and elements stand out more prominently against dark backgrounds, providing better contrast and making it easier for users to focus on the content. This is particularly advantageous for reading and viewing images or videos.
  3. Energy Efficiency Dark mode can be more energy-efficient, especially on devices with OLED screens. OLED displays emit light on a pixel basis and dark pixels consume less power than bright ones. Therefore using dark backgrounds can contribute to better battery life on devices with OLED screens.
  4. Aesthetic Appeal Dark mode is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal. Many users find dark interfaces visually pleasing and modern. Designers appreciate the elegance and minimalistic look that dark backgrounds can provide, creating a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
  5. Focus on Content Dark mode allows users to focus more on the content itself and a greater emphasis on the text, images or other elements. This can be especially beneficial in applications where content consumption is the primary focus.
  6. Reduced Glare and Distractions Dark mode minimises glare and reflections and reduces the chance of distracting reflections on the screen. This is particularly useful for users working in environments with bright lighting or direct sunlight where glare can be a significant issue.

<aside> 💭 Reflection

I think it is important to keep in mind that dark mode is a personal preference and some users may still prefer light mode. Many applications and websites now offer users the option to choose between dark and light modes, providing a more personal experience based on individual preferences and use cases. Dark mode is something I have thought about and implemented in my projects before but it is interesting to read about how it enhances user experience and engagement. I think it is important that we take advantage of its benefits as most users appreciate the option to switch to dark mode and enjoy a more visually pleasing and comfortable experience.

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