Dark mode – Does my website need it, and is it accessible?

The first thing we do when we get up is check our cell phones. At breakfast, we read the latest news, and then we head off to work to stare at other screens for eight hours. When we get home, we relax by checking social media or watching a movie, again in front of a screen, of course. Before going to bed, we read a few more articles until the whole cycle starts all over again. Digital technology and screens have become an integral part of our lives. To make staring at screens more pleasant, there are always new innovations in settings. Dark mode has been around for a while now. It can now be set almost everywhere and allows you to change the design of your phone, websites, or apps.

This means that instead of the familiar “dark text on a light background,” you see “light text on a dark background.” This was the norm with the first computers, as only the pixels displayed were shown in green and the rest of the screen remained dark. This design is also nothing new in programming and gaming, but is mostly common practice.

It makes sense to switch to dark mode, especially in the evening or in the dark. The display is not as bright and the text is usually easier to read because the contrast between the screen and the ambient light is not as great. However, if you are sitting in a bright environment or have strong light shining on the screen, it is better to switch off dark mode, as the text will otherwise be difficult to read.

A dark background can also be used to showcase content, as contrasts and bold colors become more striking. This is exactly the case with apps that thrive on this, such as Instagram and YouTube. The content becomes more vibrant and exciting to look at. Since people are mostly used to dark text on a light background despite their affinity for displays, the opposite is more appealing to us. It automatically has something exciting and new about it, which makes it more attractive to us.
 

Basically, it can be said that there are no scientific studies yet on how dark mode affects our eyes. However, as a general rule, you should adjust the screen to suit your surroundings, as excessive differences between the ambient brightness and the display brightness can be very tiring for the eyes. So if you are sitting in a dark or dimly lit environment, dark mode is much more comfortable for your eyes when reading and viewing.

In bright environments, however, light text on a dark background is difficult to read and very stressful for the eyes, as they have to work hard. Display use (regardless of the mode) accelerates the process of myopia in humans, as smartphone screens are too close to the eye. In addition, people tend to blink less, which leads to increased problems with dry eyes. Dark mode cannot remedy this. However, it is particularly helpful in the evening when you want to avoid the blue light emitted by displays. This light is responsible for preventing us from becoming truly tired and sleeping poorly. In dark mode, the proportion of blue light is reduced, making it healthier.

However, most smartphones and operating systems now also offer a night filter that filters out all blue light without dark backgrounds. This is even more effective than dark mode.

Accessibility is now also a major issue in the digital space. The digital world should also be accessible to people with visual impairments or other limitations. As a result, there is an increasing focus on clearly visible contrasts, accessible menus, headings, and other factors. Is all of this compatible with dark mode?

In principle, yes, if done correctly. When implemented well with the right color settings, light text on a dark background increases readability. However, if implemented poorly, this effect is reversed and the text becomes much more difficult to read. Dark mode is a real blessing, especially for people who are particularly sensitive to light (e.g., due to migraines), as it allows them to work much better and with less pain. As long as users have the option to choose between light and dark mode, the website remains accessible. Of course, this only applies if it was already accessible before dark mode was implemented.

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Whether a website or app needs a dark mode depends on its design, usage, and users. A dark design can make content appear different, which can be good and intentional, but it can also have a negative effect. For example, the logo and corporate colors should not be too dark, otherwise they will not stand out enough from the background.

However, if everything looks good and is easily recognizable, the site will appear very modern, as attention can be directed more effectively and contrasts and colors stand out better. However, excessive contrasts such as pure white on pure black can be tiring for the eyes to read over long periods of time.

Equipping your website with a dark mode will definitely set you apart from your competition. However, you should never lose sight of your target audience. If they are younger, have high design standards and are familiar with modern media, implementation makes perfect sense. However, if you have clients in the B2B sector who only visit the website during the day, dark mode is often not worthwhile and can even be distracting. The time of day is a particularly relevant factor here.

Dark mode is and remains a matter of taste. For some, it is an absolute necessity, for others it is incomprehensible. There are currently no proven effects on health, neither positive nor negative. A good balance could be crucial here: light mode during the day and dark mode in the evening. This default setting is already available on many mobile devices and always offers the right mode to avoid straining the eyes. Whether your own website should offer a dark mode is, of course, always an individual decision, but one thing is certain: if the website is used more during the day, you don't need it; if the site is used more in the evening, it makes sense. A good dark mode offers many advantages and looks great.