Light Mode: Is this the future of UI

Master Creationz
4 min readOct 18, 2023

A user interface design strategy called “light mode” makes use of a light background with dark text and UI components. It is the most prevalent format on websites and apps, and consumers frequently prefer it since it is comfortable and simple to read.

Dark mode has grown in popularity in recent years due to its several advantages, including decreased eye strain and increased battery life. However, light mode still offers benefits of its own that UI/UX designers should take into consideration.

Benefits of light mode

  • Better readability:It is simpler to read in Light mode thanks to the high contrast ratio between the text and background, especially for users who have vision difficulties.
  • Familiarity: Usually Light mode is generally used across the websites and apps, hence the users are more familiar with it . Furthermore, making your product user friendly.
  • Accessibility: It makes it more accessible for users with disabilities like colour blindness
  • Better Colour Display :For displaying colours accurately , Light mode is better suited . This is important for tasks such as design and photo editing.
  • Brightness: Light mode can be more comfortable to use in bright environments, such as outdoors on a sunny day.

Best practices for designing in light mode

  • Use a high contrast ratio: The suggested contrast ratio between text and background should be atleast 4.5:1. This will ensure that your text is easy to read for every user.
  • Use a light background: The suggested background color is light and neutral for ex: white or off white. The advantage of using such colours is reduced eye strain , and also making your content more readable .
  • Use dark text: The text color should be dark and easy to read against the light background.
  • Use a balanced color palette: Your design’s colour palette should be balanced and complementing. To avoid overwhelming users, try not to use too many vibrant or contrasting colours.
  • Test your designs in different lighting conditions:Ensure that your designs are simple to read and utilise in a range of lighting situations, from direct sunlight to dim interior lighting.
  • Comparison of light and dark mode

The following table compares light and dark mode in terms of their benefits and drawbacks:

  • When to use light mode

Light mode is a good choice for products that:

  • Are used in bright environments
  • Are used by users with vision impairments
  • Need to display colors accurately
  • Are designed for accessibility
  • Are familiar to users

When to use dark mode

Dark mode is a good choice for products that:

  • Are used in dark environments
  • Need to reduce eye strain
  • Need to improve battery life
  • Have a stylish or edgy aesthetic

Conclusion

Both light and dark mode have their own advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for your product will depend on your target audience, the context of use, and the overall brand aesthetic.

If you are unsure which mode to use, it is always a good idea to offer users the option to choose between the two. This will allow users to select the mode that is most comfortable and accessible for them.

Additional tips for designing in light mode

  • Use large fonts: Large fonts are easier to read, especially on small screens.
  • Use plenty of whitespace: Whitespace helps to break up your content and make it easier to scan.
  • Use clear and concise language: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your users may not understand.
  • Use high-quality images and graphics: Images and graphics can help to break up your content and make it more visually appealing. However, make sure that your images and graphics are high-quality and relevant to your content.
  • Test your designs with users: It is important to test your designs with users to get feedback and ensure that they are easy to use and understand.

Master Creationz: Your partner in designing great user experiences

At Master Creationz, we understand the importance of good UI/UX design. We can help you to create light mode designs that are both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you to create a product that your users will love.

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Master Creationz

"CURATORS AND CREATORS" The UX UI and web design projects we take on range from building a new product to redesigning a website, or enterprise software.