When Apple and Google both shipped system-level dark mode in 2019, designers scrambled. Many simply inverted their palettes ù and the results looked terrible. True dark mode design is an entirely different discipline.
Contrast Is Not Enough
WCAG contrast ratios were designed for light backgrounds. On dark surfaces, pure white text creates eye strain. Aim for #E8E8E8 or similar off-whites for body text.
Elevation Through Lightness
Shadows disappear on dark backgrounds. Material Design solved this by using lighter surface colours to convey elevation. The higher the surface, the lighter it gets.
