Why dark mode is more than just a design trend

In recent years, there has been a huge growth of dark mode supported websites, or even websites that are clearly developed with dark mode in mind. While it may seem at first to be a trend driven by aesthetics, there’s often more to the choice than just that.

In this article, we’ll delve into the growth of dark mode, as well as why you might want to give your website dark mode support.

Reduced eye strain

One of the reasons dark mode was introduced to apps and websites across the internet is its potential to reduce eye strain, especially when you’re viewing from a dark room.

As people are spending more and more time on their screens, dark mode provides a softer alternative to harsher, bright backgrounds. Users are becoming more familiar with the consequences of seeing too much blue-light, and dark mode is a great way to combat this.

Improved battery life / energy efficiency for OLED devices

Whether you’re using a newer phone (which likely features an OLED display) or a high-end OLED TV or monitor, generally speaking, less power is required for a darker page.

These displays work by powering off any pixels which are supposed to display a pure black value, resulting in a much clearer and darker image.

Not only is image clarity a highlight of this new technology, but due to the less power required to display a darker image, this often results in a much longer battery life in mobile devices, and a lower power consumption on TVs and Monitors.

Accessibility benefits of dark mode

Not only does dark mode often look better, but it can be a useful tool for improving accessibility, and helping the visually impaired view your website.

Photophobia is a condition that affects a huge number of people worldwide, and likely affects more people than expected. People with photophobia are more sensitive to bright, white backgrounds which may lead to headaches, or eye strain. By using dark mode, or a dark mode toggle, you can make your website more inclusive.

Save your customers/readers from potential migraines and eye strain by making your website more accessible!

Improve focus and minimise distractions

Dark backgrounds on your site, whether used on blogs, product pages or the whole site can create a larger contrast between page content, and key elements on your page.
This could be;

• Add to cart button on your product page
• A contact button on one of your service pages
• Images on your portfolio/blog posts
• between your pages
• And many more

With brighter colours often standing out more against dark backgrounds, establishing a content-hierarchy may be easier in dark-mode.

Your site doesn’t have to use ONLY dark mode

Have you browsed our website in the past? You may have noticed, there’s a floating toggle in the top right corner of your screen.

Give it a go, click on that little switch and see what happens!

“Let there be light”

Genesis 1:3

It goes without saying that there are still some benefits to having a light mode option on your site. For example, many users find light mode websites easier to read when in well lit environments such as outside, or in a bright office. As well as this, light mode could be more aligned with your brand’s identity.

When developing our new website, we decided to add the choice between dark and light mode to provide the best experience we can for as many users as possible.

“Dark mode allowed us to really reinforce and make use of our new branding. The primary version of our logo is the inverted version with white text and the coloured logomark, so this naturally worked better with a dark mode design that feels modern and suits the company.

“We opted to include a toggle switch for light and dark mode, recognising different users will have their own preferences and we wanted it to be accessible to those users. This would include those with visual impairments and users who may visually find light or dark mode distracting.”
–Finn, head of our latest website redesign project

If you’d like to rethink your website’s design, or would simply like to integrate a dark mode option to your website, get in touch with us today! Our team takes pride in our work, and are always driven to deliver the best end result possible for you or your business.