Dark Mode: The Dark Side of UX
By: Melisa Agundez
Currently, there is no way to imagine a reality without the use of digital devices; they are tools that facilitate our lives and we use them in the different areas in which we develop, both professionally and personally. But this has not always been the case, and that is why today improvements continue to be implemented that make interaction with these devices adapt better to people.
The adaptation of a digital product's interface to user needs is key to strengthening your relationship with customers, and a clear example of this adaptation is the growth in the implementation of dark mode in various applications and web pages.
In many operating systems, the most common interface features light backgrounds and dark text, as they were designed to resemble printed documents. However, this originated at a time when screen usage was not an everyday part of people's lives. Therefore, with the passage of time and the evolution of how we interact with digital devices, the now popular “dark mode” was created.
Initially, it was born as an alternative for individual customization that a few implemented on their devices, but with the widespread use of screens and the concern to minimize eye strain that people were experiencing due to the time they spent in front of their computers or cell phones, it was considered to work on this implementation now on a large scale. However, it is important to mention that Business Insider3 It mentions that although dark mode has been promoted as a way to reduce exposure to blue light, ensuring healthier, uninterrupted sleep, science has not confirmed that dark mode reduces the risk of eye strain, attributing this problem instead to the misuse of devices.
But setting aside the debate about the benefits its implementation may (or may not) have, it's clear that there is a preference for its use among a considerable number of users. According to a publication in PCTG1, 81.9% of smartphone users use dark mode. Another 82.7% of respondents say they use dark mode on their operating system. Further data shows that 64.6% of people expect websites to apply dark mode automatically.
The fundamental principle of dark mode is simple: it aims to invert conventional color schemes, using dark backgrounds and light text. Its use offers several advantages. For instance, on OLED screens, it helps reduce energy consumption, allowing the device's battery to last longer. Also, in low-light conditions, it can improve content readability, making the user experience more comfortable in dimly lit environments, such as dark rooms.
Although it's complicated to define who invented dark mode in UX, we can mention that companies like Google and Apple have had considerable weight in its popularity, as they have incorporated it into their operating systems (iOS and Android) and more platforms they own. Because of this, more companies have opted to implement it in their digital products.
In summary, dark mode in UX is the result of continuous evolution in digital interface design, influenced by user needs and preferences, as well as advancements in display technology.
If you want to better understand your customers' needs and offer them a product that optimally meets their requirements, write to us.
