The Rise of Dark Mode and Its Impact on Web Design

It's three in the morning but for some reason, you aren’t asleep. You lie in bed in a dark room, bored and nonplussed. So you decide to take your phone and browse the web. You open the first website and immediately regret your decisions bright white colors strike your eyes, making you even more awake.

Does it sound familiar?

We know it does. If only all websites had Dark Mode, right? That would definitely make the world a better place.

Luckily, in 2023 more and more website creators realize that dark UI improves user experience while allowing for less battery consumption. Thus, it should come as no surprise that today Dark Mode is heavily used in web design, from educational software development to the creation of media and entertainment solutions.

In today`s article, we would like to discuss why Dark Mode has become popular and how it impacts modern web design approaches. In the following paragraphs, you will learn:

• What is Dark Mode
• How the setting improves user experience
• And how the mode has changed modern design approaches

So without further ado, let’s jump straight into it!

What is Dark Mode?

In general terms, Dark Mode is a display setting that replaces the bright white background with a darker color scheme, making it easier on the eyes. This mode uses a dark color palette, typically black or gray, with lighter-colored text and elements. Dark mode is available in various operating systems, browsers, and applications.

The idea behind this setting is that it reduces the light emitted by device screens while maintaining the minimum color contrast ratios required for readability. By that, it reduces the strain experienced by human eyes while consuming less device energy.

In recent years, Dark Mode has become a prominent trend in web development, as it provides multiple benefits. Let’s discuss them.

Dark Mode Is All About Better User Experience

So why do many users prefer Dark Mode? The reason is that it is highly convenient and offers a smooth user experience. More specifically, the setting provides the following benefits:

• It is friendly to the eyes. The bright light emitted from electronic devices can cause eye fatigue, headaches, and other discomforts. With Dark Mode, the contrast between the background and the text is reduced, making it easier on the eyes. Thus, with Dark Mode on, you can enjoy your screen more, without experiencing any significant discomfort.
• It allows for less battery consumption. As of March 2023, 58.43% of all website traffic comes from people using mobile devices Thus, by designing dark mode UIs, you will help users extend the battery life of their smartphones, especially those with OLED or AMOLED displays. The thing is, fewer pixels need to be lit up in Dark Mode, so the device naturally consumes less energy.
• It provides an easier reading experience. Dark Dode can improve legibility, especially in low-light conditions. With the reduced contrast between the background and the text, reading becomes more comfortable. If you`re a night reader, you should know that Dark Mode allows you to read much more text and is less eye straining compared to its light counterpart.
• It is aesthetically appealing. Dark Mode gives a sleek and modern look to web design, which is favored by many designers and users. It can also add a sense of sophistication and elegance to a website or web application. No wonder so many websites nowadays utilize the setting.

Now that you learned the benefits, let’s discuss how Dark Mode influences web design approaches.

How Dark Mode Impacts Modern Web Design Approaches

Dark Mode has shifted the web development industry and changed many aspects of web design. Let’s discuss the changes in detail.

The first thing that comes to mind is a shift in color schemes. Designers are now opting for darker color schemes, with black and dark gray being the most common choices. Muted colors and pastel shades are also used to create a calming effect.

The setting has also affected typography. Designers are paying more attention to typography when designing for Dark Mode. They are choosing fonts that are easier to read in low-light conditions while opting for larger font sizes to improve legibility.

And, of course, Dark Mode has impacted the use of colors. In the past, designers relied on bright and bold colors to create a visually striking design. However, with Dark Mode, they are choosing muted colors and pastel shades. These colors stand out against the dark background and create a calming effect, which is essential for a more comfortable reading experience.

Another thing to consider is design consistency. Dark Mode has presented a challenge to designers, as now they have to maintain design consistency between the light and the dark mode. Users should be able to switch between these settings without experiencing any drastic changes in the design or layout. In some cases, keeping design consistency is quite difficult.

Last but not least, the setting encourages emphasis on content. With Dark Mode, designers strive to put more emphasis on the content and its readability, rather than the design elements. In Dark Mode, design elements take a backseat, and the focus is on presenting the content in a clear and concise manner. That also contributes to the user experience.

Wrapping Up

The rise of Dark Mode is a significant trend in web design that is definitely here to stay. With its aesthetic appeal and health benefits, it has become a staple feature in many websites and web applications. No wonder designers are now considering Dark Mode as an essential part of their design process, and it has led to a shift in color schemes, typography, the use of colors in web design, and other things. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative design trends emerge, and Dark Mode will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in web design.

We hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new!