The Magic of Dark Mode: Unveiling the Best Side of User Experience
In the dynamic world of fintech, user experience takes center stage, and one intriguing development in this space is the integration of Dark Mode. Fisdom, our fintech product, recently embarked on a transformative journey to introduce Dark Mode. This case study delves into how this introduction not only reduced app size but also fostered a more collaborative approach between our design and tech teams. Dark Mode, with its elegant, dark-themed interface, has not only revolutionized user interactions with screens but also presented designers with a host of exciting new challenges and opportunities.
Design Challenges!
Transitioning from a light theme to Dark Mode isn’t as simple as inverting colors. Designers face unique challenges, such as ensuring text is still easily readable against dark backgrounds. Achieving optimal contrast is key to maintaining a pleasing and functional design.
Moreover, the design should be adaptable, providing a seamless experience as users switch between modes. Sudden, jarring transitions can disrupt the user experience, so designers must consider how elements like buttons, icons, and images adapt to the change.
Designing for dark mode is like designing for two different worlds; it requires careful attention to detail in both light and dark environments.
Key steps to create a perfect dark mode
When designing dark and light themes for a product there are a few things to consider for a consistent and accessible experience.
The main aspects are:
- Colors
- Neutral icons/illustrations
- Shadows/strokes
- Typography
- Collaboration with dev [bonus tip]
1. Colors
“The heart of Dark Mode lies in your color choices ♥︎”
Dark Background: The choice of a dark background sets the tone for Dark Mode. Opt for deep, muted colors such as navy blues or charcoal grays. This foundational element not only establishes a visually appealing aesthetic but also addresses the practical need for reduced eye strain, especially in low-light environments.
Contrast for Readability: Achieving a high level of contrast is vital for readability. Select light text and content colors that stand out vividly against the dark background. Whites, creams, or bright grays ensure that users can easily discern and engage with the content, promoting both accessibility and an aesthetically pleasing experience.
Accent Colors: The strategic selection of accent colors for elements like buttons and icons contributes to a harmonious color palette. These accent colors should contrast with the dark canvas, enhancing visibility and maintaining a balanced overall design. The interplay of these colors creates a cohesive and engaging user interface.
2. Neutral icons/illustrations
In Dark Mode, icons and illustrations require careful attention to visibility and clarity. Their design should ensure they stand out distinctly against the dark background. Introducing accent colors within these elements not only aids visibility but also contributes to a consistent design language, enhancing user interaction and overall aesthetics.
The creation of neutral assets designed for both Light and Dark modes has proven beneficial for developers, eliminating the need for redundant icon creation. This approach avoids the necessity of generating theme-specific assets, resulting in reduced memory usage. Consequently, streamlined asset management contributes to quicker app loading times.
3. Shadows/strokes
Shadows and strokes add depth to the design, but in Dark Mode, subtlety is key. Opt for softer shadows to prevent harsh contrasts that might be jarring in a low-light setting. Adjust stroke weights judiciously to maintain visibility without dominating the visual landscape. This approach ensures that these design elements enhance rather than distract from the overall dark theme.
4. Typography
When choosing a font for dark mode, consider factors such as contrast, character spacing, and overall legibility. It’s essential to test different fonts in your specific interface to find the one that best complements your design and provides an optimal reading experience in dark mode.
My personal favorite is Inter a modern sans-serif font designed for high legibility. It has variable font support, making it adaptable to different weights and styles. Inter is often used in various applications and websites, and it works well in dark-mode interfaces.
5. Collaboration with dev [bonus tip]
Following the completion of the design phase and the handover to the development team, the design process extends beyond its initial stages. Continuous collaboration with developers is essential, and the approach I employ is known as “progressive build.” This involves receiving weekly progressive builds from the developer, allowing me to conduct Quality Assurance (QA) sanity checks regularly. This method has proven instrumental in facilitating a timely release by minimizing the need for extensive back-and-forth communication between the design and development phases.
Conclusion
Creating a perfect Dark Mode is a nuanced design journey that demands a comprehensive understanding of each element. The careful consideration of colors, images, icons, shadows, and typography is not just about visual aesthetics but also about crafting an immersive and accessible user experience. By adhering to these key steps, designers can achieve a harmonious and engaging Dark Mode that seamlessly integrates with the product’s overall design language. The result is a visually pleasing, accessible, and comfortable interface that enhances the user’s digital journey across diverse lighting conditions.
You can check my work on Fisdom↴
