The Dark Arts of UI- Why More Apps are going into Dark Mode

If you have one too many Apps on your phone, there is a high possibility that at least one of them is in dark mode, whether it is Facebook Messenger, Slack, Twitter, Trello, or Google Chrome, or it could be your entire OS. Especially if you are a Millennial and definitely if you are a GenZ. 

With more and more Apps going into Dark Mode, given the growing popularity and even health benefits, it is only a matter of time before it is the new default setting. Well, only time will tell if it holds true. 

For now, let's understand the Dark Mode, why it is the in thing and how you can perfect it to woo your users. 

So, what is Dark Mode? 

Dark mode is basically a feature in apps that allows the user to switch the colour scheme from a light background with dark text to a dark background with light text. It is not as dark as it sounds and is, in fact, light on the eyes.  

Why are more Apps going into Dark Mode? 

Well, why not? Users are all for it. It is the in thing and has an eccentric feel to it. At this point, you'd be surprised if someone didn't have the dark mode on, especially at night.  

Here are a few reasons why Dark Mode is getting a lot of limelight:  

Easy on the eyes: Reduced strain on the eyes is at the top of the list of reasons users are all for the Dark Mode. It makes it easier for users to read the text and use the App for a prolonged time without straining their eyes.  

For Darker times: Dark Mode improves visibility in low light and makes it easier to see text and images in dimmer times of the day. Using the phone at night becomes a whole lot easier.  

Battery Saver: On devices with OLED displays, Dark Mode is a battery saviour as the pixels that display black is off, consuming lesser power.  

In Colourblind Users Favour: Dark Mode is better for colourblind users as it makes it easier to distinguish between different colours, as there is an increased contrast between the background and text.  

For the Aesthetic of it: Darker colours for the win. Many users find Dark mode more visually pleasing and far more modern and impressive. If you're going to look at an App screen all day, it must be aesthetic. 

A Personal Touch: Apps also allow users to personalize the colour scheme of Dark Mode, making it even more comfortable for their eyes. 

Status Symbol: Shades of Black or Gray used in Dark Mode elicit a feeling of luxury and sophistication which has somehow made it a status symbol to have an App in Dark Mode. 

Enriched Legibility: Dark Mode increases the legibility of text, which is a plus for users, especially those with visual impairments. 

 
There are plenty of reasons users love the Dark Mode, provided that it's well-designed. And perfecting the Dark UI is an Art that needs a lot of precision.  

Here are a few best practices to follow to Nail the Dark Mode:  

Contrast is Key: The text and other elements must have a high contrast ratio against the background. It ensures higher legibility and accessibility.  

Colour Pallete: Pay heed to the colours and use only the ones appropriate for the Dark Mode interface. Go for greys, subtle blues and greens. 

Make it Icon-ic: Use appropriate icons that are easily recognizable in the colour scheme of the Dark Mode. 

Dark Not Pitch Black: Avoid pure black backgrounds and choose dark grey or subtle shades of black. Too much black isn't perceived well by eyes either and causes pixelation. 

Use Hover, Active States or Animations: Find ways to indicate an element selection or interaction.  

Test, Test, and Test: Test with different devices and environments to ensure consistency, legibility and usability.  

Let the Users Choose: Let users switch between light and dark modes and remember their preferences. 

Consistency wins Trust: Be consistent with the App design and ensure the Dark Mode design aligns with the Brand's identity. 

Let Users Personalize: Allow users to personalize the colour scheme and select and customize from options. 

Give them (Negative) Space: Balance the negative space to ensure each element or letter relates to each other to improve readability and avoid chaos.  

If you're planning on developing an App, consider the Dark Mode as a definite feature to increase its chances of success amongst a Dark-Mode-obsessed audience. It will give your business an edge by extending a better user experience and winning over a loyal user base. 

Also Read: UX Design Process: Brief Introduction     

Would you like to know more about Dark Mode and how to perfect the Dark UI? Connect with our team!  At Hashbrown, our team follows a well-defined UX Design Process to build the Dark UI of an App.    We have developed innovative and trend-setting Mobile Apps for clients from diverse industries in the most cost and time-efficient way, and you can be the next.     

If you've got an idea for a Mobile App, connect with our team!      

You can also view Our Extensive Portfolio of Mobile Apps and explore more about Our Mobile Development Capabilities!