We all know and use dark mode daily. However, it can be dark mode a better choice compared to light mode? Or how can we make our user interface offer the best user experience there is out there?
Well, even though dark mode is a night-friendly UI design style that predominantly features dimmed and darker colors for its UI elements, it can also be used during the day. The design style, when it comes to dark mode, is due to color reflection, as less light translates into less glare from the screen.
In low-light environments, activating the dark mode can provide a better environment for your user and help relieve the pressure on their eyes. It can be seen as a relief when your eyes feel strained from staring at the screen all day.
This trend also highlights the impact that color has on the psychology of the users, influencing them based on the elements introduced into the design. In a UI UX design, colors have the power to create an emotional effect, as any project uses color for the overall user interface.
Think about it, the experience you would have reading a news article without any image at all or a recipe without seeing any representation of the actual process – just plain black-on-white text with no color.
This would have simply been a boring experience that would have ended quickly by exiting the design. However, if color is integrated into the design, the entire user experience is determined by the color chosen. It can deliver a playful and fun atmosphere if we use yellow predominantly, or it can be a more serious and trustworthy environment when blue tones are used.
Let’s get deeper into how you can use dark themes to create the best user experience there is for your users!
1. Dark Mode does not mean just using black.
Giving your app or website UI a pure black background is not the best idea you can have when it comes to your users ' best experience. While using text on a pure black background can sometimes be too much, causing severe eyestrain. Instead, go for culers such as greys, dark blues, or combinations of those colors, which might do you better than only using black.
2. Stay away from saturation
Design your elements with bright colors so they will stand out on light surfaces. Using colors that stand out makes your design pop. Lighter, desaturated colors are generally more readable on dark background interfaces.
3. Stay away from pure white
Bright colors can create excessive glare in a dark mode UI, leading to visual discomfort. To avoid this, use a slightly softened shade of white for text and design elements.
4. Create your own dark mode
In order to keep your UI looking great for your users, you will need to use darker shades of your primary brand color for the background.
5. Simply Inverting the Color Scheme Isn't Sufficient
If your website or app has a light mode design, don’t assume that simply inverting the colors will result in an effective dark mode. Instead, develop dedicated dark mode design strategies and color palettes to ensure a visually comfortable UI.
So, maybe next time you start a new project, keep in mind the integration of a dark mode that can suit your needs.
We at uinkits understand the importance of great user experiences and creating amazing UI designs. That’s why we’ve developed a Figma UI Kit with design components that include these essential UI elements that enable you to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly.
“You press the button, we do the rest.” – Kodak.
Inspired by this iconic tagline from Kodak, we believe in simplifying the design process for you. Our Figma UI Kit, uinkits, is a complete design system with UI components that allows you, as a UI UX designer, to create your products as quickly as pressing a button.
Our design system includes UI components, icons, variables, cards, buttons and everything you need for your design process. All you have to do is take your UI design component needed, and you’re ready to use it in your designs!