It’s a hot topic in app development – and among users too!
One of the most common questions we get is: 'Should my app be in light mode, dark mode, or maybe both?'
Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on a few key factors that we need to consider.
So, here’s our take on how we choose the best mode for your app and your users!
It’s More Than Just Aesthetics!
Every App Is Different, and So Are Your Users’ Preferences.
Sure, light and dark modes each have their own visual aesthetics, but the choice is really about how your users interact with your app, how it serves them, and meets their needs.
1 Technical Considerations
How do light and dark modes affect battery life, performance, and system resources? Will they also meet accessibility requirements?
2 User Preferences
Who are your users? What are their demographics, usage patterns, and preferred activities?
3 Brand Identity
Does the mode align with your brand’s aesthetics?
4 Content Type
Is your app more visual-heavy or text-focused?
5 App Purpose
Is your app designed for productivity, content consumption, creativity, or something else?
6 Environmental Context
Will your app be used in bright environments or low-light settings?
Once we’ve analyzed all the factors, we discuss the options with you and our team, and together we make the best decision for your app.
After choosing the right mode, we move into the design and development phases. Throughout these stages, we run plenty of tests to ensure your choice is not only visually appealing but also functional and optimized for every platform.
Why LIGHT MODE Might Be the Better Fit for Your App?
→ Better Readability
White backgrounds with dark text give great contrast, making it easy on the eyes – ideal for text-heavy apps!
→ Improved Focus
Bright backgrounds keep users more alert and engaged – perfect for productivity, time management, note-taking, or organizing apps.
→ Color Vibrancy
Light mode optimizes color accuracy, which is ideal for visually focused platforms like the design or photo editing.
→ Universal Appeal
Light mode has been the standard for years, and users are familiar with it. It’s often the default setting for many applications and offers a sense of familiarity.
Interestingly, when we ran a poll, only 6% of people said they exclusively use light mode, and 39% said they like switching between both modes.
Why DARK MODE Might Be the Better Fit for Your App?
→ Reduced Eye Strain
Dark mode can ease eye strain, especially in low-light environments. This is perfect for night-time scrolling or for users with visual sensitivities like photophobia or astigmatism.
(However, because dark mode is still relatively new, there’s limited research on its long-term effects on eye health).
→ Battery Efficiency
On OLED and AMOLED screens, dark mode uses less power by lighting fewer pixels. This leads to better battery efficiency, making dark mode a great choice for apps that users interact with for long periods, such as gaming, music streaming, or meditation apps.
→ Modern Aesthetic
Dark mode offers a sleek aesthetic – in other words, it just looks cool and aligns with current design trends.
That said when we ran a poll, most actually preferred dark mode! While dark mode has already been established as one of the top UX/UI trends in 2024, our poll confirms its rising dominance and user preference.
Why Not BOTH?
Sometimes, the best choice is to offer both light and dark, especially for large-scale apps with diverse user bases. Here’s why:
→ User Flexibility for All-Day Use
With a broad and varied audience, user preferences can differ greatly. Providing both light and dark modes allows users to switch between them based on their environment or time of day. They might prefer light mode during the day and dark mode at night.
This flexibility significantly enhances the overall user experience.
→ Wider Accessibility
Different users have different needs, particularly when it comes to light sensitivity and visual comfort.
Offering both light and dark modes makes your app more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.
→ On-Trend and Competitive
As dual-mode options become more common, users are beginning to expect this feature from modern apps. By offering both light and dark modes, your app stays competitive, aligned with current UX/UI trends, and delivers the level of customization users increasingly demand.
→ But Keep in Mind: Increased Development Complexity
Implementing both light and dark modes adds a layer of complexity to the development process. It requires extra time for coding, designing, and thorough testing to ensure UI/UX consistency and maintain performance across both modes.
Whether we choose light mode, dark mode, or both for your app, we need to keep in mind: Is the selected mode truly delivering the best possible user experience?
