As a developer with 12+ years of experience, I’ve seen first hand how fast dark mode has become a widely adopted design trend, providing users with a visually appealing and often more comfortable alternative to light mode. However, designing a good dark mode experience goes beyond simply inverting colors. To ensure accessibility and maintain strong aesthetics, designers and developers must follow best practices that enhance usability, readability, and overall user experience.

1. Use Proper Contrast Ratios

One of the biggest challenges in dark mode design is maintaining proper contrast. Low contrast can strain the eyes, while overly high contrast can be just as uncomfortable. Best practices include:

• Ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for text against background colors (as per WCAG guidelines).
• Avoiding pure black (#000000) backgrounds; instead, use dark grays (#121212, #1E1E1E, etc.) to reduce eye strain.
• Using lighter gray or desaturated text colors instead of pure white to soften the contrast.

2. Consider Color Perception and Readability

Colors can look different in dark mode compared to light mode, and certain hues may lose their intended emphasis. To optimize readability:

• Use desaturated versions of colors to avoid oversaturation.
• Check how brand colors translate in dark mode and adjust accordingly.
• Be mindful of red-green color blindness when selecting status indicators.

3. Adapt Shadows and Elevation Effects

In light mode, shadows are used to create depth and distinguish UI elements. However, dark mode requires a different approach:

• Reduce the intensity of shadows; opt for subtle glows or soft highlights instead.
• Use lighter accent colors or semi-transparent outlines to indicate elevation.
• Avoid deep shadows, as they can become less distinguishable against dark backgrounds.

4. Ensure Images and Icons Are Optimized

Dark mode can affect the appearance of images and icons, so it’s essential to:

• Use transparent PNGs or SVGs for icons to adapt to both light and dark backgrounds.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of images to ensure visibility.
• Provide alternative versions of logos that maintain readability in dark mode.

5. Allow User Preference and Easy Switching

Not all users prefer dark mode at all times, so providing options is key:

• Implement automatic detection based on system preferences (prefers-color-scheme CSS media query).
• Provide a manual toggle in settings for users to switch between modes.
• Save user preferences using local storage or account settings.

6. Maintain Consistency Across Light and Dark Modes

To create a seamless experience:

• Use a consistent typography and spacing approach across both modes.
• Ensure that buttons, links, and input fields are clearly distinguishable in both themes.
• Test UI elements in both modes to avoid unexpected issues.

Conclusion

Dark mode can enhance aesthetics and usability, but it must be designed with accessibility in mind. By considering contrast ratios, color perception, depth effects, and user preferences, designers and developers can create a dark mode experience that is both visually appealing and functional. Thoughtful implementation ensures a comfortable experience for all users, regardless of their visual needs or preferences.

Web design is a field that moves at lightning speed—a harmonious fusion of creativity and technology that shapes the way brands communicate and users interact online. Yet, despite web design’s omnipresence, a number of persistent myths and misconceptions continue to muddy the waters. In this open letter, I want to clear up some of these misconceptions so that you (whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a small business owner, or someone just curious about modern web design) can make more informed decisions and get the most out of your web projects.

Myth 1: “A Website Is Just About Looks”

The Myth:
Many believe web design is purely about aesthetics—choosing trendy colors, fancy fonts, and stunning images. They think that as long as the site looks nice, it’s “good design.”

The Reality:
In truth, visual appeal is only one piece of the puzzle. An effective website must also include:

• User Experience (UX): Your navigation, content structure, and call-to-action buttons should guide visitors smoothly from page to page. A pretty website that’s confusing to use won’t yield results.
• Technical Performance: Speed, responsiveness (mobile-friendliness), and accessibility are crucial to ensuring all visitors can access and interact with your site easily.
• Conversion Goals: At the end of the day, your website should help fulfill your business objectives—whether that’s generating leads, selling products, or raising brand awareness.

Key Takeaway:
Yes, beauty matters. But you should always pair aesthetics with functionality, user-centered thinking, and strong performance. A holistic approach delivers websites that not only look good but also help you meet your goals.

Myth 2: “Anyone Can Build a Website Quickly and Cheaply”

The Myth:
With an abundance of DIY platforms, pre-made themes, and drag-and-drop builders, people often assume that building a website is as simple as choosing a template and hitting “publish.” They believe there’s no need to hire a professional.

The Reality:
While DIY website builders can help you get started, especially if you’re on a tight budget, there’s a difference between having a website and having a strategically designed website. Here’s what a professional web designer brings to the table:

• Customization & Branding: A designer will help you stand out by tailoring the look and feel to your unique brand identity.
• Technical Expertise: Professionals understand search engine optimization (SEO), page load speed, security protocols, and best practices that keep your site reliable and efficient.
• User-Focused Design: Professional designers leverage user research and data to create websites that deliver a polished, intuitive experience, encouraging visitors to stay longer and convert.

Key Takeaway:
Sure, it’s possible to set up a simple site on your own. But when you need something that truly reflects your brand and converts visitors into customers, hiring a professional can save you time, avoid pitfalls, and ultimately increase your ROI.

Myth 3: “Design Is Finished Once the Website Goes Live”

The Myth:
Some clients think that after a website is launched, the design and development work is complete. They assume no further updates or maintenance are necessary.

The Reality:
Your website is a living, breathing entity that needs continuous care and feeding. Ongoing work often includes:

• Content Updates: Fresh and relevant content keeps visitors engaged and helps with SEO.
• Technical Maintenance: Regular plugin updates, theme updates, and security patches ensure your website stays stable and protected from vulnerabilities.
• Feature Enhancements: As your business grows, so might your needs—booking systems, e-commerce functionality, or new design elements might be required down the line.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly checking load speed, SEO metrics, and user analytics can help you spot issues early and refine your website’s effectiveness.

Key Takeaway:
A website is never truly “done.” It needs regular maintenance and improvements to stay relevant, secure, and competitive in the online ecosystem.

Myth 4: “A One-Size-Fits-All Approach Works for Every Business”

The Myth:
Some believe that if a particular layout or style worked for one company, it will work for every other business. They might suggest copying a competitor’s look or using the same standard layout that “everyone else” is using.

The Reality:
Each business has its own brand story, audience, and conversion goals. What works for a trendy e-commerce fashion retailer might not be appropriate for a law firm or a local non-profit. A “cookie-cutter” approach often overlooks:

• Unique Brand Voice: Your brand tone, visual identity, and messaging need to be authentic and consistent.
• Specific Audience Needs: Different target audiences have different browsing habits, design expectations, and content preferences.
• Distinct Conversion Goals: If the goal is to build an email list rather than drive online sales, the design structure and content flow must reflect that priority.

Key Takeaway:
Your website should be as unique as your business. A tailored strategy not only represents your brand better, but also resonates with your specific audience and objectives.

Myth 5: “Mobile Responsiveness Is an Afterthought”

The Myth:
Some still hold the outdated belief that responsive or mobile-friendly design is optional—something you can worry about later or skip altogether.

The Reality:
With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ignoring mobile responsiveness is a quick way to lose potential clients. Responsive design ensures your site’s layout adapts to any screen size, improving:

• User Experience: Visitors can easily read text, navigate menus, and find key information regardless of their device.
• SEO Rankings: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results, so you’ll fare better if your site meets mobile performance standards.
• Brand Perception: A non-responsive site might frustrate visitors, hurting your brand’s credibility.

Key Takeaway:
Mobile responsiveness is non-negotiable. It’s crucial for delivering a seamless user experience and staying competitive in search rankings.

Myth 6: “SEO Is All About Keywords Stuffed into Content”

The Myth:
A lingering misconception is that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is just about cramming keywords into web pages. Some believe more keywords = higher rankings.

The Reality:
Effective SEO is much broader and more nuanced. It includes:

• Technical Optimization: Fast load times, clean code, SSL certificates, and mobile optimization all affect how search engines rank your site.
• High-Quality Content: Google values original, helpful, and in-depth content that addresses user intent.
• User Engagement: Factors like click-through rate, time on page, and bounce rate signal to search engines whether your content is truly valuable.
• Backlink Strategy: Earning backlinks from reputable sites also helps improve your search rankings.

Key Takeaway:
SEO isn’t about stuffing keywords. It’s about creating a high-quality, user-centric website that search engines can crawl and understand easily. In other words, build for humans first, and optimize for search engines second.

Myth 7: “Web Design is Only for Large Corporations with Big Budgets”

The Myth:
Many small business owners assume that professional web design is out of their price range. They believe effective websites only come from big agencies working for big brands.

The Reality:
Professional web design is more accessible than ever:

• Freelancers & Boutique Agencies: Many skilled freelance web designers and smaller agencies offer competitive rates and flexible packages.
• Scalable Solutions: From simple landing pages to e-commerce sites, many web designers can tailor their solutions to your budget and needs.
• Long-Term Investment Value: A well-designed site can pay for itself by driving more leads, sales, and brand awareness.

Key Takeaway:
Even on a modest budget, you can find professional-level design solutions that look great and work effectively. The internet is an essential storefront for businesses of all sizes—investing wisely in a strong online presence often pays off.

Myth 8: “My Website Should Never Change Once It’s Perfect”

The Myth:
Some business owners want an impeccable, final product that never evolves or changes. They think redesigns or ongoing tweaks signal that the initial design was flawed.

The Reality:
Continuous improvement is a sign of a healthy, evolving website—especially as:

• User Expectations Shift: Design trends, technology, and user preferences change over time.
• Your Business Grows: New services, product lines, or expansions might warrant updates to your design or site structure.
• Data Insights Emerge: Analytics may reveal where users drop off or what content performs best, guiding data-driven adjustments.

Key Takeaway:
It’s normal—even advantageous—to refine and iterate on your design over time. Perfection is not a fixed point, but rather an ongoing process of continuous enhancement.