Introduction
Popular apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Gmail offer users the choice between dark mode and light mode. While it may seem like a superficial preference or a passing trend, there’s science and psychology behind this decision. What drives us to prefer one over the other, and what does it reveal about how we perceive information?
The Importance of Interface Perception
In our hyperconnected world, where we spend numerous hours in front of screens, the way we view and interpret an interface is more significant than it appears. This extends beyond mere readability, impacting emotional engagement, visual strain, and the context and timing of our interactions with each device.
Our Experimental Study
At Mondragon Unibertsitatea, we conducted an experimental study to investigate how people react to these two interface options. The study involved 141 participants (77 women, 62 men, one non-binary individual, and one participant who preferred not to disclose their gender) ranging in age from 18 to 61.
Participants were shown real-life interface images (such as Google, Word, Instagram, YouTube) in both light and dark modes. To analyze preferences, we employed the Implicit Association Test (IAT), a social psychology tool that detects the strength of an individual’s automatic, unconscious association—essentially, the option they prefer without much thought.
Study Findings
The results showed a slight preference for light mode, as participants associated it more quickly with positive concepts like “professional,” “organized,” or “secure.” This pattern was slightly more pronounced in women, though no significant gender differences were found.
However, when asked directly, responses varied. Conscious choices revealed that men had a greater affinity for dark mode, while women maintained their preference for light mode. Reasons differed as well; those choosing the clear interface primarily cited objective reasons like readability and better visualization. In contrast, dark mode supporters often emphasized subjective factors like aesthetics, style, or a more professional feel.
In direct responses, 48.2% preferred dark mode and 43.3% chose light mode. By gender, women showed a stronger preference for light mode (53.2% vs. 41.6%), while men largely favored dark mode (54.8% vs. 32.3%).
These findings highlight the significance of offering customizable options, such as testing themes in various lighting contexts, incorporating quick adjustments (brightness, contrast), and user-specific parameterization. Additionally, analyzing demographic segments can help avoid biases and promote accessibility and visual comfort for all users.
A Passing Fad or a Real Preference?
The rise of dark mode partly stems from design and contextual decisions (visual content, low lighting), but the data suggests that preference isn’t uniform. Part of it is trend-driven, while part is functional.
More apps are adopting dark mode by default, especially those focused on entertainment or visual content. For instance, Spotify and Netflix opt for it because it enhances contrast and makes elements like album covers or videos stand out more. Moreover, by reducing brightness, it’s more pleasant in low-light environments and contributes to a more immersive atmosphere.
Some studies also suggest that dark mode could extend battery life on OLED screens and reduce eye strain in low-light conditions. However, it’s not always users’ favorite choice. In fact, many continue using light mode because it’s the default setting.
Which is Better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all format for everyone or every app. That’s okay. It depends on the context of use, content type, and what we want the interface to convey.
In professional settings like banking, healthcare, or education, light interfaces remain dominant: a bright background with dark text evokes clarity, transparency, and familiarity.
Conversely, in creative, nighttime, or audiovisual applications, dark mode offers a more engaging and emotional experience. It can also have an identity component: for some, it signifies being “up-to-date” or feeling closer to sophisticated tools.
Ultimately, beyond trends or individual preferences, the crucial aspect is that design adapts to our genuine needs. And if an app allows us to choose, that’s even better.
Today, most platforms enable easy switching based on user preference. Many also detect system settings to automatically apply themes (e.g., activating dark mode at dusk). This flexibility acknowledges that there’s no single “valid” mode for all cases. The key is providing a comfortable and consistent experience, whether embracing the “dark side” or sticking with traditional light interfaces, depending on what each person requires.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main finding of the Mondragon Unibertsitatea study? The study found a slight preference for light mode, with participants associating it more quickly with positive concepts. However, direct responses showed varying preferences based on individual reasons.
- Q: Why are customizable interface options important? Customizable options, such as testing themes in various lighting contexts and incorporating quick adjustments, promote accessibility and visual comfort for all users.
- Q: What are the benefits of dark mode in apps? Dark mode can enhance contrast, reduce eye strain in low light, and create a more immersive atmosphere. It’s particularly beneficial for entertainment and visual content apps.
- Q: Is there a universally preferred interface mode? No, there’s no one-size-fits-all format. The best choice depends on context, content type, and desired interface conveyance.
- Q: How do users’ preferences influence app design? Understanding user preferences helps developers create more adaptable and user-friendly interfaces, ultimately leading to a better overall experience.
