{"id":3164,"date":"2020-06-23T14:51:11","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T14:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.siddhiinfosoft.com\/blog\/?p=3164"},"modified":"2025-06-25T07:20:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T07:20:16","slug":"how-to-design-dark-mode-for-mobile-apps-in-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siddhiinfosoft.com\/blog\/how-to-design-dark-mode-for-mobile-apps-in-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Design Dark Mode for Mobile Apps in 2020?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The User Interface with Dark Theme<\/strong> has come into the limelight with the release of iOS 13<\/strong> and Android 10<\/strong>. In the past few years, both Google<\/strong> and Apple<\/strong> have dedicated resources to optimize Dark Mode<\/strong>. In today\u2019s mobile app design and development world, dark themes<\/strong> are among the most demanded features<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

When macOS<\/strong> introduced Dark Mode, Google<\/strong> promoted its adoption across apps and platforms. When implemented properly, dark themes in mobile apps provide significant benefits<\/strong>, such as reduced eye strain<\/strong>, enhanced content readability<\/strong>, and lower battery consumption<\/strong> \u2014 especially on OLED<\/strong> screens.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Dark Mode for Mobile Apps \u2013 When It\u2019s Healthy and When It\u2019s Not<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

White text<\/strong> on a pure black background<\/strong> may strain the iris<\/strong> due to high contrast. This can result in a fuzzing effect<\/strong>, which is one reason for strategically designing Dark Mode<\/strong> for mobile apps.<\/span><\/p>\n

High contrast can harm the eyes, so a thoughtful approach<\/strong> to Dark Mode is essential. Below are industry-recommended techniques<\/strong> to ensure a better Dark Mode experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. The Distant Surface Should Be Darker in Mobile Apps<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

For Dark Mode UI, focus on the right background color hierarchy<\/strong>. Surfaces that are farther away<\/strong> from the user should appear darker<\/strong>, while closer layers<\/strong> should be slightly lighter<\/strong> to simulate depth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many designers mistakenly invert light themes<\/strong> to create dark ones. Instead, use the main surface color<\/strong> from the light theme and reverse it wisely<\/strong> for dark theme development. Refer to Material Design’s Dark Theme Guide<\/a> for more detailed insight.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Avoid Pure Black Backgrounds<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

A pure black background<\/strong> with white text<\/strong> results in extreme contrast<\/strong>, which may cause discomfort. Instead, use dark grey tones<\/strong> for the background \u2014 a safe and user-friendly<\/strong> choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

When executed properly, the user\u2019s eye naturally flows<\/strong> across interface elements. The color palette<\/strong> should harmonize \u2014 elements and backgrounds must complement each other<\/strong> rather than clash.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

4. Consider the Emotional Aspect<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Dark-themed apps evoke strong emotions<\/strong>. According to color psychology<\/strong>, every color affects the user’s behavior and decision-making<\/strong>. Black is associated with power, authority, mystery, and elegance<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dark UI is often preferred in entertainment, gaming, luxury<\/strong>, and e-commerce apps<\/a><\/span> where creating a mood or atmosphere<\/strong> is critical.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Update Animations and Illustrations for Dark Mode<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

If your app contains illustrations or animations<\/strong>, ensure they adapt to dark backgrounds<\/strong>. Use desaturated background colors<\/strong> to make the main subject pop<\/strong>. This helps maintain visual balance<\/strong> and keeps users focused on core content.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"How-to-Design-Dark-Mode-for-Mobile-Apps-in-2020<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Allow Users to Control the Mode<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Letting users toggle between Light Mode<\/strong> and Dark Mode<\/strong> is a best practice<\/strong>. Do not auto-enable<\/strong> Dark Mode \u2014 instead, provide a UI switch<\/strong> to let users choose manually<\/strong> based on their preference or lighting conditions<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This enhances the user experience<\/strong> and aligns with platform guidelines<\/strong> from Apple and Google.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Use Elevation Tools Effectively<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In dark-themed apps, elevation<\/strong> helps define visual hierarchy<\/strong>. Unlike Light Mode (where shadows work well), shadows are less visible<\/strong> in dark interfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, add light and brightness<\/strong> to elements on higher surfaces<\/strong> to create the illusion of depth. You can refer to Google\u2019s Material Theming Guide<\/a> for best practices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Considerations for iOS 13-Based Dark-Themed Apps<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Semantic Colors<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Apple introduced semantic colors<\/strong> that adapt automatically to light or dark interfaces<\/strong>. These don’t have static RGB values but dynamically adjust<\/strong> to ensure consistency in text and background overlays<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check Apple\u2019s Human Interface Guidelines<\/a><\/span> for more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blur and Vibrancy Effects<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In Dark Mode, iOS offers 8 vibrancy<\/strong> and 4 blur effects<\/strong> that automatically adapt<\/strong>, giving your app a more elegant and layered feel<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

SF Symbols<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Apple\u2019s SF Symbols<\/strong> offer over 1500 icons<\/strong> designed to look great in both light and dark environments<\/strong> \u2014 making them a valuable asset for modern UI (SF Symbols<\/a><\/span>)<\/span><\/p>\n

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Designing Android-Friendly Dark Mode Apps<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Dark Mode can significantly reduce battery usage<\/strong>, especially on OLED screens<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on Material Design 3<\/strong>, developers should:<\/span><\/p>\n