Dark / Light / High-contrast mode
We add switchable design themes: light, dark and high-contrast — taking into account the user's system settings. This helps with light sensitivity, low vision (high contrast) and simply by preference. So that everyone chooses a variant comfortable for their eyes. Honestly upfront: a high-contrast mode is real accessibility help, but it does NOT replace correct base contrast (even the light theme must pass the norms — that is 809); and each theme requires design work and maintenance.
Dark / Light / High-contrast mode — overview
Dark / light / high-contrast themes is the implementation of switchable design themes: light (default), dark (more comfortable in low light and for light-sensitive users), high-contrast (helps low-vision users). We account for the user's system setting (prefers-color-scheme), provide a manual toggle and save the choice. Honestly about the boundary with base contrast, this matters: a high-contrast theme is a useful accessibility measure, but it does NOT replace correct contrast in the main (e.g. light) design. The base theme must also pass the contrast norms (that is a separate service 809) — you cannot 'dump' accessibility into the high-contrast mode only, expecting the regular one to be unreadable. We do it right: both base contrast and modes. Honestly about volume: each theme is design work on all states (texts, buttons, forms, images, shadows) and testing; it is not 'invert colors with a button'. Honestly about maintenance: new components must be styled in all themes, otherwise they 'fall out' of the dark/contrast one. Honestly about images/media: images and illustrations in the dark theme sometimes need separate adaptation (transparency, versions). Honestly about the platform: on old CMS, heavy visual editors and third-party ready-made themes, three full themes can seriously complicate and raise the cost of implementation or be impossible without rework — we check in advance what is feasible for you. Honestly about 'do you need this': for a minimalist corporate site without complex interfaces and without an audience with heightened visual-accessibility needs, several themes may be excessive — we will say honestly if that is the case. Honestly about user coverage: themes help sighted, low-vision and light-sensitive users, but do NOT help blind users — they need screen-reader adaptation (805); themes are one measure, not all of accessibility. Honestly about the effect: comfort for the eyes and help with light sensitivity/low vision; we do not guarantee direct sales growth. Honestly about access: access to the styles/design is needed. An important boundary: this is themes; fixing base contrast is 809, reduce-motion is 826. Picture this: instead of 'one theme uncomfortable for some users' — a choice for the eyes and needs. The base price starts from 15,000 ₽ (depends on the number of themes and design complexity).
Problems we solve
- One theme is uncomfortable for some users (light/dark/contrast).
- No high-contrast mode for low-vision users.
- The system dark-theme setting is ignored.
- The light theme is bright and tires light-sensitive users.
What's included in the Dark / Light / High-contrast mode service
- Implementation of light/dark/high-contrast themes
- Accounting for the system setting (prefers-color-scheme)
- A manual toggle and saving the choice
- Working out all states and components in each theme
- Adapting images/media for the dark theme (where needed)
- Indicating boundaries (themes do not replace base contrast — 809)
- Testing the themes
- Handover and review with you
What you get
- The user chooses a theme comfortable for the eyes
- A high-contrast mode helps low-vision users
- The system setting is respected, the choice is saved
- Themes are worked out and maintainable (base contrast — 809)
How the work goes: steps
- We work out palettes and states for each theme; collect access
- We implement themes, the toggle, system-setting respect, media adaptation
- We test, honestly tie in with base contrast (809), review with you
Why PDV Expert
- Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
- Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
- In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.
FAQ
Will high contrast replace fixing regular contrast?
No, and this is important to be honest about. A high-contrast mode is a useful measure, but the base (e.g. light) theme must ALSO pass the contrast norms (service 809). You cannot leave the regular theme unreadable, expecting 'whoever needs it will turn on the contrast one'. We do it right: both base contrast and modes.
Isn't it just inverting colors with a button?
No. Each theme is working out all states (texts, buttons, forms, shadows, images) and testing so everything is readable and tidy everywhere. Simple inversion often breaks readability and images. So it is design work, not a single setting, and depends on the complexity of your design.
Does this need maintenance?
Yes. New components must be styled in all themes, otherwise they 'fall out' of the dark or contrast one (staying in light colors on a dark background). We will give recommendations so new elements are made with themes in mind from the start. Accessibility and consistency are a process.
About the provider
The «Dark / Light / High-contrast mode» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.