Dark mode is everywhere. Your favorite apps have it. Your phone settings offer it. Even entire websites are jumping on the bandwagon. It’s sleek, it’s modern, and it’s pitched as a savior for our tired eyes. But here’s the thing: dark mode isn’t always the design miracle it’s made out to be. When implemented poorly, it can create usability nightmares, alienate users, and even water down a brand’s identity.
In this blog, we’re going to pull back the curtain and talk about the dark side of dark mode, the mistakes designers often make and why they matter more than you might think.
Why Everyone Fell in Love With Dark Mode
Let’s start with the obvious question: why is dark mode so popular?
- It looks futuristic and minimalistic, which appeals to tech-savvy audiences.
- It can extend battery life on OLED and AMOLED screens by reducing the amount of light pixels need to emit.
- In low-light environments, it feels easier on the eyes compared to a blinding white background.
- For many, it simply feels “cool” like a premium option you unlock in an app.
All of this makes sense. But like every design trend, what works on the surface doesn’t always translate to better usability or inclusivity. That’s where things get tricky.
Mistake #1: Getting Contrast Wrong
One of the most common missteps is poor contrast. Many brands think dark mode is just about flipping white to black and calling it a day. But that’s a recipe for disaster.
Here’s the problem: pure white text on a pitch-black background creates a glow effect. This can actually make it harder to read, especially for long-form content.
What works better:
- Off-white or light gray text on a deep charcoal background.
- Using softer contrast levels to reduce glare.
- Designing with readability in mind, not just aesthetics.
Think about it, if users have to squint at your app or website, they won’t stick around for long.
Mistake #2: Forgetting Accessibility
Dark mode isn’t universally better for everyone. For users with certain visual impairments, like astigmatism, it can actually make reading more difficult because the edges of light text on dark backgrounds appear blurry.
Accessibility is often an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. A design trend that excludes even a fraction of your audience is a design failure.
Better approach:
- Test dark mode with real users, including those with vision impairments.
- Provide clear toggle options so people can switch between light and dark mode seamlessly.
- Follow accessibility guidelines like WCAG for color contrast ratios.
Dark mode isn’t about you as a designer, it’s about the people using your product.
Mistake #3: Killing Brand Personality
Brand colors that pop beautifully on a white canvas often lose their vibrancy in dark mode. Logos, icons, and accents can suddenly look muted, or worse, clash horribly with darker palettes.
Imagine a brand like Coca-Cola; bright, bold red on white. Now drop that into a black background without adjustments, and it immediately feels off.
The fix:
- Develop a color system specifically for dark mode.
- Adapt logos and icons so they feel equally strong against darker tones.
- Ensure brand identity stays consistent across both modes.
Your brand should never feel like a completely different company just because someone toggled dark mode.
Mistake #4: Inconsistent Application
Some apps and websites only “half commit” to dark mode. One page looks perfectly styled, but another has buttons or text that disappear into the background. This inconsistency breaks trust, if users can’t rely on your interface, they start questioning the overall quality of your product.
How to avoid this:
- Create a dedicated design system for dark mode.
- Test across every page, screen, and device.
- Don’t roll out dark mode until it’s polished.
Users notice when corners are cut.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Real-World Context
Dark mode feels perfect at midnight when you’re scrolling in bed. But try using it on a sunny day outdoors, it quickly becomes unreadable.
Designers sometimes forget that people use products in all kinds of environments. A “one size fits all” dark mode doesn’t actually fit all.
Smarter solution:
- Offer an automatic switch based on time of day or ambient light sensors.
- Give users manual control (some people prefer light mode 24/7).
- Think contextually, not just aesthetically.
A design that works in theory but fails in practice isn’t really working at all.
Mistake #6: Overlooking Images and Media
Dark mode doesn’t just affect text and backgrounds. Images, illustrations, and videos also react differently. A light graphic that looks crisp on white may look washed out on black. Similarly, photos with dark backgrounds can disappear into the interface.
Better strategy:
- Create image variations for light and dark backgrounds.
- Use outlines or subtle shadows to ensure icons don’t blend into the background.
- Test how visuals appear in both modes.
If visuals lose their impact, your design loses half its story.
Mistake #7: Forcing Users Into It
This one is huge: assuming that everyone wants dark mode. While it’s popular, it’s not universally loved. Some people find it uncomfortable, while others simply prefer the familiarity of light mode.
When companies force users into dark mode without the option to switch back, they’re prioritizing trend over usability.
The fix:
- Always give users a choice.
- Make switching intuitive and easy (no digging through endless settings).
- Respect preferences rather than imposing them.
Design should empower, not dictate.
Real-World Examples: Hits and Misses
-
X: Widely praised for giving users multiple dark mode options (“Dim” and “Lights Out”). They understood that contrast matters and gave people flexibility.
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Google Docs: Initially struggled with dark mode readability for long text, though improvements are ongoing. A reminder that productivity tools need special care when shifting to dark themes.
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Slack: Offers dark mode but some users complain about reduced contrast in certain themes, proof that even polished platforms can stumble.
These examples highlight a simple truth: it’s not about whether you have dark mode, it’s about how well you execute it.
So… Should You Ditch Dark Mode?
Absolutely not. Dark mode is valuable, but it’s not a magic wand. It works when it’s thoughtfully designed, tested across contexts, and backed by user choice. It fails when it’s rushed, inconsistent, or trendy for the sake of trendiness.
The lesson? Don’t treat dark mode like an afterthought. Treat it as an integral part of your design system.
Key Takeaways for Businesses and Designers
Here’s what you should remember:
- Contrast is king, ditch pure black and white combos.
- Accessibility isn’t optional, dark mode must be inclusive.
- Adapt your brand palette so identity stays strong.
- Consistency across screens builds trust.
- Consider the when and where of user interaction.
- Redesign visuals so they don’t fade into the dark.
- Give users control, always.
Conclusion
Dark mode isn’t just a toggle - it’s a test of your brand’s usability, accessibility, and identity.
At Seven Koncepts, we help businesses design experiences that shine in both light and dark. Don’t let poor dark mode design frustrate users or weaken your brand. Let’s create digital experiences that work everywhere, for everyone.