How to Build a Dark Mode Product for Modern Designers and Developers

Why Dark Mode Matters

Dark mode isn’t just a trend anymore, it’s the way people prefer to experience digital spaces. It reduces eye strain, saves battery, and adds a modern vibe to any interface. Whether you’re designing a website, an app, or anything in between, understanding how to make dark mode work for you is key. This guide breaks down why dark mode matters in 2025, how to implement it effectively, and what’s next in user-centered design.

1. What’s the Deal with Dark Mode?

Dark mode flips the script, using light text on dark backgrounds. It’s not just an aesthetic choice, it’s also practical. It reduces eye strain, particularly in low-light environments, and gives digital designs a sleek, modern look. The rise of OLED screens, increased focus on accessibility, and the growing demand for user customization have made dark mode a default preference for many.

2. Why Everyone’s Obsessed

Dark mode has become a favorite for several reasons that go beyond its cool factor:

• People love it: About 82% of smartphone users prefer dark mode. It reduces glare and feels easier on the eyes, especially during nighttime browsing. Plus, roughly a third of all emails are now opened in dark mode, showing its widespread adoption.
• Battery saver: On OLED screens, dark mode can save up to 10% more battery life. This is because black pixels require less power to display, making dark mode not just stylish but also energy-efficient.
• Looks good: Dark mode adds a modern, clean aesthetic to digital products. It helps brands stand out with bold, high-contrast visuals that feel fresh and sophisticated.

3. The UX/UI Perks

Dark mode offers several advantages that enhance user experience and interface design:

• Less eye strain: It’s especially effective in low-light environments where bright screens can cause discomfort. Dark mode reduces glare, making long screen sessions more comfortable.
• Accessibility: High-contrast designs improve readability for users with light sensitivity or visual impairments. Maintaining a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 ensures content remains clear and easy to read.
• Focus: Dark backgrounds naturally draw attention to the content itself. This helps users stay engaged, as key elements stand out more prominently against a dark canvas.

4. How to Build Dark Mode (Without Overthinking It)

• Define color themes: Choose a color palette with dark backgrounds and light text. Instead of pure black, use dark grays for a softer, less harsh look. This reduces eye strain and feels more natural.
• Theme toggle: Add a simple button that lets users switch between light and dark modes. This gives users control over their experience, which is a key part of good UX design.
• Match system preferences: Many devices now allow users to set dark mode as their default. Design your website or app to detect these settings automatically, providing a seamless experience without extra steps for the user.

5. Best Practices

To make dark mode both functional and visually appealing, follow these best practices:

• Avoid pure black or white: Pure black (#000000) and pure white (#FFFFFF) can create harsh contrasts that strain the eyes. Instead, use dark grays like #121212 and soft whites like #E0E0E0 for a more comfortable viewing experience.
• Desaturate brand colors: Bright, saturated colors can appear too intense on dark backgrounds. Reduce saturation by around 20% to maintain balance and avoid visual discomfort.
• Hierarchy: Use lighter shades of gray for elements like cards and modals to create depth. Instead of heavy shadows, opt for subtle gradients or transparency effects to indicate elevation and focus.
• Accessibility: Always test your color contrast ratios using tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker. Also, offer a manual dark mode toggle so users can choose what works best for them.

6. Mistakes to Avoid

While dark mode offers many benefits, it’s easy to overlook some common mistakes:

• Too much color: Overusing bright, saturated colors on dark backgrounds can cause eye fatigue. Stick to muted tones and use bright colors sparingly for highlights or calls to action.
• Ignoring images: Images designed for light mode may not look great in dark mode. Optimize them by using transparent PNGs or adjusting brightness and contrast to ensure they blend well with dark backgrounds.
• Not testing: Test your design in different lighting conditions to ensure readability and usability. A design that looks great in a dark room might be hard to read in daylight.

7. What’s Next for Dark Mode?

Dark mode continues to evolve, with exciting trends on the horizon:

• AI-powered themes: Future user interfaces may automatically adjust based on ambient light or user behavior. This dynamic adaptation can improve comfort by fine-tuning brightness and contrast in real time.
• More personalization: Users will expect more than just an on or off switch. Personalized dark mode settings that adjust to specific user preferences, like custom contrast levels or color schemes, will become standard.
• Standardization: Accessibility guidelines like WCAG 3.0 are pushing for dark mode to become a default design feature. This shift will encourage more consistent, user-friendly experiences across platforms.

Dark mode is here to stay because it improves user comfort, saves battery, and looks great. Whether you’re designing an app or a website, understanding how to implement dark mode effectively can make a big difference in user experience.