Dark mode - necessity or "nice to have

Dark mode has become very popular in recent years, and almost every major app and website offers this option. But is dark mode just a passing trend or is it a necessary adaptation to the changing needs of users? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of dark mode and explore whether it's really essential for modern websites and apps. Will you ultimately decide to switch to dark mode? Let us know!

What is dark mode?

Dark mode, also known as a dark theme, is an interface option that reverses the traditional light color scheme of a website or app. Instead of a white background with black text, dark mode offers a dark background with lighter text. This can be visually appealing and allows users to customize the interface to their preferences. Almost every major app or website uses this mode to accommodate visitors. Sites like Instagram, Reddit, and virtually every other major app or website like YouTube also offer this feature by default, and it can be toggled instantly with a single button press.

Why is dark mode so popular?

There are several reasons why dark mode has become increasingly popular recently: Visual appeal: many users find that dark mode looks modern and sleek.

It adds a new dimension to the user interface and can be more aesthetically pleasing, especially for apps and websites that highlight visual content such as photos or videos. Reduced eye strain: Viewing a screen with a bright background can be tiring for the eyes, especially at night or in poorly lit environments. Dark mode reduces the light intensity and can therefore reduce eye fatigue, especially during prolonged use. There are many people in the world who attach particular importance to this, which is why this function and even special glasses for it are so popular.

Filtering out blue light can have a positive effect on health and certainly on the quality of sleep. Battery saving: On devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode can actually save battery.

As dark pixels consume less energy than bright ones, using dark mode can contribute to a longer battery life. Focus on content: In a dark interface, colored elements and text stand out better. This can be particularly useful for content where visual details are important, such as photos, videos and graphics. But also simply for a blog post or page.

The advantages of dark mode

Comfort and health The biggest benefit of dark mode is the reduction of eye fatigue, especially in low light conditions or prolonged screen use. There is a growing body of research suggesting that exposure to bright light, especially at night, can contribute to sleep problems as it interferes with melatonin production.



Dark mode reduces this strain and provides a user-friendly option for those working or browsing at night. Better user experience Users have more control over their experience with dark mode as they can choose the mode that suits them best.



This increases the accessibility of your website or app, which always has a positive impact on user engagement and customer satisfaction. Energy efficiency Although not suitable for all screens, dark mode can save energy on OLED and AMOLED displays. As many mobile devices use this technology, dark mode can be a way to extend battery life, which is especially important for mobile users.

Challenges of dark mode

Readability and accessibility Not all users find dark mode comfortable or easy to read. For some people, the lighter text on a dark background can lead to more eye strain or lower contrast, making it less legible.



It is important to ensure sufficient contrast between text and background to ensure accessibility. Consistent branding Websites and applications are often created with a specific color scheme to match the branding. If dark mode is offered, these colors may need to be adjusted to maintain brand identity.



This requires careful planning and potentially additional time/cost in the design process. Development complexity Developing and maintaining a dark mode option increases the complexity of website and app development. Not only do you have to design the light and dark color scheme, but you also have to make sure that all elements, from images to buttons, work and look good in both modes. Many WordPress themes already have this feature built in by default. So if you use WordPress, you can look out for this when choosing a theme. The Ashe theme, for example, is one of them.

Trend or necessity?

So is dark mode a trend that will soon disappear, or is it a feature that can't be ignored? The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. While dark mode is a visual trend, it also has enough functional benefits to be more than just a fad.

Users want the flexibility to customize their visual experience, and with the increase in screen time, dark mode appears to be a permanent feature. For businesses and website owners, dark mode may not be an absolute necessity, but it can be a valuable addition to enhance the user experience. Especially if you have a lot of mobile users or offer content that is frequently consumed in the evening, such as videos or blogs, dark mode can increase engagement and satisfaction.

And of course, the goal is often to keep users on your website for as long as possible. By offering dark mode, you give users more control over how they consume your content, which is ultimately always a smart move in the world of digital design and user experience.