Dark mode UI design: Best practices and examples

Dark mode, originally the default in early computer screens with dark backgrounds and glowing text, has experienced a resurgence since the 2010s as users seek its benefits, such as reduced eye strain, battery savings on OLED screens, and enhanced comfort in low-light settings. Unlike a simple inversion of colors, dark mode requires thoughtful design to maintain readability and brand consistency, using varied dark shades instead of pure black for a visually balanced experience. While praised for its sleekness, dark mode is not universally superior, as it can pose challenges in bright environments and for users with visual impairments or astigmatism. Different design systems, like Material Design and Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, offer tailored approaches to implementing dark mode, focusing on contrast, adaptive behavior, and user preferences. Best practices for dark mode design include allowing user choice, maintaining proper contrast, and optimizing visuals for accessibility, ensuring that elements remain visible and comfortable in both light and dark modes, while specific industries, such as gaming and financial apps, benefit from dark interfaces for immersive and focused user experiences.