Dark UI design
Our daily lives are an endless stream of possibilities. In our professional and personal lives, we must think about various challenges and oppositions.
It is better if the solutions are not just ideas but experience, facts, and understanding. This time, we will examine one of the common options UI designers face project-by-project. Which scheme is more suitable for the user interface: lighter or darker?
Factors that affect the selection of the color scheme
Make sure that there isn’t a single solution that can meet all goals. The answer is heavily contingent on various factors, not just from the user’s perspective but also from business objectives.
Let’s examine the main aspects that need to be considered when looking at the problem.
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Readability and legibility
Both terms are directly linked to the way people perceive content presented in the text. Readability is the ability of a person to comprehend words, phrases, and blocks of text. The measure of legibility is how fast and easily users can recognize the letters of a specific typeface.
These aspects should be taken into consideration, particularly for interfaces full of text. In addition, that affects the color scheme; the one chosen as the color scheme for your interface can play an important part in the efficient process of interpreting the text.
For instance, when observing physical objects on different backgrounds; a black text displayed on light or white backgrounds appears bigger than white text on dark backgrounds. Insufficient readability leads to a poor user experience.
For instance, users can’t read the information even further. When the information is pertinent but unreadable, users experience the unfathomable verbal tense as they struggle to read the text and may overlook the crucial details.
Does this mean that interfaces that have a light background are easier to read?
But not always.
One of the renowned experts in user experience design, Jacob Nielsen, mentioned that for optimal legibility; you need black text against white backgrounds (so-called positive texts). Text written in white on a zed-black background (negative text) is nearly as effective.
Though it is exactly the same as that of positive text; however, the inverted color scheme can confuse people somewhat and slows the reading speed. The legibility is less favorable when color schemes make text lighter than black; particularly when the background is darker than pure white.
Therefore every color scheme can be readable if the designer has a thorough understanding of the particulars of copy reading on various backgrounds and is careful about the font selection.
However, some research studies from the 1980s have shown that for large amounts of text, a light background appears to be a better choice for the majority of users.
Analyzing the ways that advertising agencies did their work, D. Bauer and C.R.Cavonius published their research in their research paper “Improving the readability of display units with visuals by contrast reverse” (1980).
They found that people were 26% more precise in reading text when the display was presented with dark characters set against an unlit background.
Why is that?
Jason Harrison from Sensory Perception and Interaction Research Group (University of British Columbia) discusses this issue by stating.
People who have astigmatism (which, according to different statistics, comprise around 50 percent of the populace) find it more arduous to read black text written in white as opposed to writing in black on white.
This is partly to do with the light’s level. If you have a bright display (white backdrop), the iris is able to close less, which reduces the impact that is caused by “deformed” lenses “deformed” lens. When you display a dark one (black backdrop), the iris is opened to let in more light, and the lens’s deformation results in a more blurred concentration on the eye.
Based on this fact, in the event that your interface displays a lot of information and promises a long-reading experience, a lighter background could feel more user-friendly.
Accessibility
Accessibility is usually defined as the capability of a mobile or web user interface to be accessible to the maximum users possible and offer its capabilities without discrimination. Therefore, the decision “to make use of or not make use of” should be primarily dependent on the needs of users and preferences, not based on their physical capabilities.
A color palette is one of the main factors that influence this aspect. In selecting the color palette and combinations, the designer must be aware of the people of various ages, special needs, or disabilities, which could influence the selection of colors for backgrounds as well as layout components.
Research on users can be a huge source of information by providing UX designers with information that helps them get closer to the intended user.
Clarity
Clarity is the capacity to perceive and discern all the important information on the screen or page. It first addresses the ease and awe of navigation. Being capable of scanning the layout and identifying areas of information and components that interact, users don’t have to exert heavy effort to find the information they require.
If this isn’t checked properly, it could cause a lack of visual hierarchy and mess up your screen. Contrast is a major factor in this regard, and the color scheme is the base for it.
To verify whether the interface is clean and bright enough, do not forget to use the classic trick called “blur effects” when you view the page or screen in blurred mode. Make sure that everything is easy to reach and easily visible.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the interface ensures that users can use it, and it is usable on any device they’re using it on. What appears attractive and stylish in Sketch n professional monitors with high resolution could become a dirty mark on the tiny screen.
So, certain hues that appear appealing at the design stage could fade when applied to a variety of daily circumstances they’re applied to. Since color schemes directly influence appearance, color, and copy perception, they must be tested on various gadgets before making a final choice.
Environment
Mobile and web interfaces are utilized in settings that could be thought to be commonplace. For example, in the case of constant usage in natural light, the dark background can actually create the appearance of reflection, particularly on the glossy screens that are typical for smartphones and tablets.
In contrast, when you are in a poor lighting space, the dark background could draw light away from the screen and have an adverse effect on readability and navigation. Therefore, the issues of color combination, contrast, and shades are a major concern in this regard.
Checklist of color schemes for selection
In light of the points mentioned above In light of above. We present an overview of the most important procedures to consider when selecting the color scheme that will be used for mobile or web-based interfaces.
1. Establish the goal for the user interface
After determining the key elements of the interface’s utility and ability to solve problems. You will decide on the color scheme more rationally. In the event that the UI is based on text (a blog or news platform, an e-reader, and so on. ). a light background is likely to be an efficient option. The light makes the screen appear to seem airy and spacious and makes it easier to concentrate on just the text.
Contrarily when the interface is primarily visual and is based on images instead of text and images; a color scheme that has dark or bright backgrounds could be an ideal choice since the colors of the images are more vivid, and the layout is given an elegant or even luxurious look.
2. Analyze your target audience
The definition and analysis of the people who will be your target audience; are the first tasks that designers should perform. Understanding your target user and what they like to gain from your app or website creates the groundwork for a user-friendly, practical, and appealing user interface.
People who are middle-aged or older prefer interfaces; that have lighter colors since they feel that they are more user-friendly and easy to navigate. Children often find interfaces with dark backgrounds attractive and unique. So it is a good best way to attract the users you want.
Children and teens are drawn to interfaces that have vibrant backgrounds and fun specifics. The color choice is dependent on the interface’s functionality and contents. However, the preferences of your intended audience are always a great guide to decision-making based on the needs of the user.
3. Study the competitors
Another fact is that your item isn’t likely to be seen as the blue ocean. And vice versa, it’s going to be fighting for the attention of users when faced with fierce and fast-paced competition.
The color scheme is also an effective way to make a site or application stand out. And result in an unforgettable first interaction from the users’ side. Spending time exploring the current products within the sector. It saves time and energy that would otherwise be spent on the design of unproductive solutions.
4. Test, Test, Test, and just keep on testing
The above points convince you about one key aspect to consider. Color is one of the elements that directly affect the usability and aesthetics in the design of interfaces.
Hence, each design concept should be thoroughly evaluated, with various resolutions, on different screens, and under various conditions. Tests reveal the strengths and weaknesses that the scheme of color before when the product goes to market is debated and is subsequently lost the chance to make a striking first impression if the design solution is not effective.
Compromise solutions
Despite not wanting to adhere to strict color schemes; interface designers often come up with ways to compromise, such as below.
Dark interface White tabs to copy
This trend became particularly popular with interfaces based on the dark background. However, this is a different approach to ensuring proper readability; which is frequently the subject of contention, using boxes or spaces with a lighter background to the essential data blocks.
Designers can solve this issue and bring an elegant contrast to the page or screen. Where it was used effectively is that of the Watering Tracker app designed by the Tubik team.
The user can select the colors to use.
Another option is to give users a variety of options. We have done this for Upper the app; which is a list of things to make an application that provides users with an array of color schemes.
On one side, it makes the application very user-friendly. This is more customized based on not just usability concerns but also your aesthetic preferences. However, it requires additional hours for developers and designers to develop all the options.
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