Best Practices for Designing Dark Mode Interfaces

With the rising popularity of dark mode in apps and websites, UI/UX designers in India and across the globe are rethinking their design strategies. Dark mode is no longer just a trendy option—users now expect it as a standard feature in digital interfaces. Whether you’re developing a fintech app in Mumbai, a news platform in Delhi, or a shopping portal in Bengaluru, offering a well-designed dark mode can set your product apart.

But designing a good dark mode isn’t just about inverting colours or making the background black. A poorly executed dark interface can cause eye strain, confuse users, or look visually unappealing. This blog explores the best practices for designing dark mode interfaces, ensuring both usability and aesthetics are maintained.

Why Dark Mode Matters

• Reduces Eye Strain: Especially in low-light environments like during night-time use.
• Saves Battery: On OLED screens, dark pixels consume less power.
• Modern Appeal: Gives a sleek, modern look to the UI.
• User Preference: Many users prefer dark mode as a personal choice.

Don’t Just Invert Colours

The biggest mistake many designers make is simply inverting the light mode design. This doesn’t work because colours behave differently on dark backgrounds.

• Choose muted and desaturated colours for dark mode.
• Use different contrast levels to retain legibility.
• Test each element in dark mode individually for optimal visibility.

Use Proper Contrast Ratios

Contrast is crucial in dark mode. Text should stand out against the background without being too harsh.

• Maintain at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for body text.
• Avoid using pure white (#FFFFFF) text on pure black backgrounds, as this can create too much glare.

Tip for Indian Designers: Many Indian apps have multi-lingual support. Ensure your contrast works well across all script types, not just in English.

Emphasise Depth with Elevation and Shadows

In dark mode, it’s harder to differentiate between layers of content. Use subtle shadows and elevation to guide the user’s attention:

• Use blurs or semi-transparent overlays for cards and modals.
• Lighter surfaces can help indicate elevation (like dialogs or buttons).

Use Colour Carefully for Highlights and Accents

In light mode, bold colours can pop easily. In dark mode, bright or saturated colours may look overpowering.

• Use accents sparingly.
• Opt for soft tones like blue-gray, teal, or amber.
• Avoid neon or harsh colours which can cause discomfort.

Allow Manual Dark Mode Toggle

Automatic system-based dark mode is useful, but always give users a manual toggle option.

• Include a toggle switch in the app settings or header bar.

In India, with varied demographics, allowing user choice boosts accessibility and satisfaction.

Test in Real Lighting Conditions

Designers often test on high-end monitors. But your end users in India might be using phones in dim rooms or under the sun.

• Test on real devices under low-light and normal-light conditions.
• Simulate usage in rural and urban network scenarios.

Icons, Illustrations, and Images

• Use alternative versions of icons with lighter fills or outlines.
• For illustrations, remove white backgrounds or use transparent PNGs/SVGs.
• Use light versions of brand logos for better visibility.

Maintain Branding Consistency

If your brand uses a specific colour palette, ensure it translates well in dark mode.

Use Gradients and Transparency Smartly

Gradients and transparency can add a premium feel to dark mode designs. But:

• Avoid light gradients that clash with dark backgrounds.
• Use semi-transparent overlays for layered content.

Include Dark Mode in Your Design System

If you're building a product for scalability, ensure your design system includes dark mode variables:

• Define typography, spacing, shadows, and colour tokens for both modes.
• Tools like Figma and Adobe XD allow quick theme switching.

Dark Mode for Indian Users – Localised Tips

• Design for low-end devices and low-light usability.
• Support regional fonts like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
• Use colours like red and yellow sparingly to avoid harsh visuals.

Conclusion

Designing for dark mode isn’t just a cosmetic change—it’s a deep UX decision. When done right, it enhances readability, lowers eye strain, saves power, and modernises your interface. With India’s growing digital-first population, offering a smart, elegant dark mode could make your platform stand out.

Remember, test thoroughly, avoid harsh contrasts, maintain brand identity, and give users control. Whether you're a freelance designer in Hyderabad or part of a startup in Pune, these best practices will help you create dark mode interfaces that not only look good—but feel good to use.

Want more UI/UX tips for Indian designers?

Follow our blog for weekly insights into web design, mobile app UI, and accessibility best practices tailored for Indian tech creators.