Dark mode design
We design a dark theme for your product: not just 'invert the colors', but a full dark palette with correct contrasts, readability and eye comfort, synced with the light theme via tokens (964). Honestly upfront: a dark theme is real design work, NOT a 'filter' or auto-inversion (inversion gives dirty colors, bad contrasts and broken images); it must be designed and maintained on par with the light one; and it is a pleasant option for some users, not a guarantee of engagement or conversion growth.
Dark mode design — overview
Dark mode design is creating a full dark version of the interface: selecting a dark palette (not a black background + inverted colors, but thought-out dark-gray tones and adapted accents), ensuring sufficient contrast and readability (by accessibility standards), adapting components, shadows, images and illustrations for a dark background, a theme switcher and saving the choice, syncing with the light theme via design tokens (964). Honestly about 'not inversion', this is key: a quality dark theme is NOT automatic color inversion or a 'filter'. Simple inversion gives dirty colors, wrong contrasts (text either blinds or gets lost), broken images and shadows. A dark theme requires deliberate design: dark-gray (not pure black) backgrounds, muted but readable accents, separate work on states. Promising 'we will quickly invert' would be dishonest — it is full work. Honestly about maintenance: a dark theme is a second theme that must be maintained on par with the light one (new components, screens must work in both). With tokens (964) this is much easier, without them — duplicated effort. Honestly about accessibility: in a dark theme it is easy to make bad contrast (e.g. gray text on dark) — we check readability by standards, not 'by eye'. Honestly about the effect: a dark theme is a pleasant option that some users love (comfort in the dark, battery saving on OLED), but it is NOT a guarantee of engagement, retention or conversion growth — it is about comfort and choice, not business metrics directly. Honestly about feasibility: not needed by every product — we will honestly assess whether it is justified for your audience. Honestly about access: design/product, ideally tokens, are needed. An important boundary: this is a dark theme; design tokens (the basis for themes) — 964; design system — 961. Picture this: instead of 'dirty auto-inversion' — a thought-out comfortable dark theme. The base price starts from 30,000 ₽ (depends on interface volume).
Problems we solve
- Users ask for a dark theme, but there is none.
- Auto-inversion gives dirty colors and poor readability.
- Dark mode is broken on some screens/images.
- Low contrast in the dark theme — text is unreadable.
What's included in the Dark mode design service
- A full dark palette (not inversion)
- Sufficient contrast and readability (accessibility standards)
- Adapting components, shadows, images for a dark background
- A theme switcher and saving the choice
- Sync with the light theme via tokens (964)
- Honest boundaries (not a filter/inversion; real work; not a metrics guarantee)
- An honest feasibility assessment for your audience
- Handover and review with you
What you get
- A thought-out comfortable dark theme (not dirty inversion)
- Good readability and contrast in dark mode
- Correct operation on all screens and images
- Honest boundaries (a pleasant option; not an engagement/conversion guarantee)
How the work goes: steps
- We assess feasibility; design the dark palette
- We adapt components/shadows/images, check contrast
- We implement the switcher and tokens (964), honestly set boundaries 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
Can a dark theme be made quickly by auto-inversion?
No, honestly: a quality dark theme is not inversion or a 'filter'. Simple inversion gives dirty colors, wrong contrasts (text blinds or gets lost), broken images and shadows. A dark theme requires deliberate design: dark-gray backgrounds, muted readable accents, work on states. Promising 'we will quickly invert' would be dishonest — it is full design work.
Will a dark theme raise engagement/conversion?
Directly — no, honestly. A dark theme is a pleasant option some users love (comfort in the dark, battery saving on OLED screens), and it improves their experience. But it is about comfort and choice, not business metrics directly — engagement or conversion growth cannot be guaranteed. We make a good option but do not promise number growth from it.
Does every product need a dark theme?
Not every one, honestly: we will assess feasibility for your audience. Plus it is important to understand — it is a second theme that must be maintained on par with the light one (new screens must work in both). With design tokens (964) this is much easier; without them — duplicated effort. If the audience does not expect it and maintenance is costly, we will say so honestly.
About the provider
The «Dark mode design» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.