by 0x059d0025e4e1bb1a37f2c922e54b139bc1231ee0 (LayDeez)
Linked Draft Proposal
Summary
The idea behind dark mode is that it reduces the light emitted by device screens while maintaining the minimum colour contrast ratios required for readability
Abstract
Dark mode is a design feature that displays a website or application’s user interface using dark colors instead of light colors. It is often motivated by a desire to improve readability and reduce strain on the eyes, as well as to extend battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED displays. Implementing dark mode on a website or application can also improve accessibility for users with certain visual impairments, as it provides higher contrast between text and the background. Ultimately, the decision to implement dark mode on a website or application should be based on the needs and preferences of the users.
Motivation
Improved readability: Dark mode can improve readability for users who are sensitive to bright or white screens, as it reduces the strain on the eyes. This is especially important for users who spend long periods of time reading or working on a computer.
Increased battery life: Dark mode can also help extend battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED displays, as these displays use less power to display darker pixels. This can be especially important for users who rely on their devices for long periods of time and do not have access to a power source.
Improved accessibility: Dark mode can also improve accessibility for users with certain visual impairments, as it provides higher contrast between text and the background. This can make it easier for these users to read and navigate the website or application.
Specification
Create styles for dark mode: Define the styles for your dark mode in your CSS file or include them in a style tag on your HTML page. These styles should specify the colors and fonts that you want to use for the dark mode version of your website or application.
Add a toggle button: Add a toggle button to your website or application’s user interface that allows users to switch between dark and light mode. You can use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create this toggle button and add it to your site or application.
Add JavaScript to toggle the modes: Use JavaScript to create a function that toggles the dark-mode class on the body element of the page when the toggle button is clicked. You can also use JavaScript to store the user’s preference for dark or light mode in a cookie or local storage, so that the preference is remembered when the user returns to the site or application.
Test the implementation: Test your dark mode implementation on different devices and browsers to ensure that it is working as expected and that the styles are applied correctly. Make any necessary adjustments to the styles or JavaScript code as needed.
Impacts
Implementing dark mode on a website or application can have a number of potential impacts, both positive and negative. Here is a detailed assessment of some of the potential impacts of implementing dark mode, based on the motivations and specifications described above:
Positive impacts:
Improved readability: Dark mode can improve readability for users who are sensitive to bright or white screens, reducing strain on the eyes and improving the overall user experience.
Increased battery life: Dark mode can help extend battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED displays, which can be especially useful for users who rely on their devices for long periods of time and do not have access to a power source.
Improved accessibility: Dark mode can improve accessibility for users with certain visual impairments, as it provides higher contrast between text and the background. This can make it easier for these users to read and navigate the website or application.
Negative impacts:
Decreased visibility: Dark mode can decrease visibility for users with certain visual impairments, as it reduces the contrast between text and the background. This can make it more difficult for these users to read and navigate the website or application.
Increased cognitive load: Dark mode can increase cognitive load for some users, as it requires more mental effort to process and read the text and graphics on the screen. This can be especially true for users who are not accustomed to using dark mode and may take some time to adjust to it.
Decreased legibility: Dark mode can also decrease legibility for some users, especially if the font and background colors are not chosen carefully. This can make it more difficult for users to read and understand the content on the website or application.
In summary, implementing dark mode on a website or application can have both positive and negative impacts depending on the needs and preferences of the users. It is important to carefully consider these potential impacts and test the implementation thoroughly to ensure that it is working as intended and providing the desired benefits.
Implementation Pathways
To implement dark mode on a website or application, the following concrete steps can be taken:
Consult with community members: Consult with community members, including users and developers, to understand their needs and preferences with regard to dark mode. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or other forms of consultation.
Define the styles for dark mode: Define the styles for your dark mode in your CSS file or include them in a style tag on your HTML page. These styles should specify the colors and fonts that you want to use for the dark mode version of your website or application.
Add a toggle button: Add a toggle button to your website or application’s user interface that allows users to switch between dark and light mode. You can use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create this toggle button and add it to your site or application.
Add JavaScript to toggle the modes: Use JavaScript to create a function that toggles the dark-mode class on the body element of the page when the toggle button is clicked. You can also use JavaScript to store the user’s preference for dark or light mode in a cookie or local storage, so that the preference is remembered when the user returns to the site or application.
Test the implementation: Test your dark
Conclusion
In conclusion, dark mode is a popular design feature that can improve readability, extend battery life, and improve accessibility for some users. However, it can also decrease visibility, increase cognitive load, and decrease legibility for other users. Implementing dark mode on a website or application involves defining the styles for dark mode, adding a toggle button, adding JavaScript to toggle the modes, and testing the implementation. It is important to consult with community members, including users and developers, to understand their needs and preferences with regard to dark mode, and to carefully consider the potential impacts of the implementation. By following these steps, you can successfully implement dark mode on your website or application and improve the overall user experience.