690: How To Dark Mode and Beyond

This podcast episode discusses the challenges and considerations of implementing light and dark modes in apps and websites. The speakers cover different approaches to theming, including basic light and dark modes and customizable themes. They emphasize the importance of designing for dark mode from the beginning and address the challenges of ensuring elements appear correctly in both light and dark themes. Additionally, the episode highlights the benefits of using CSS variables for theming and the power of media queries and color scheme preferences. The usefulness of dark mode for screen recording is also explored, along with the importance of avoiding the flash of unstyled content when switching modes. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the value of well-designed theming systems that rely on variable swapping instead of excessive overrides. Overall, this episode provides insights into creating flexible and dynamic themes using CSS variables and the considerations involved in designing effective theming systems. Takeaways • Having light and dark themes in apps and websites is important. • There are different approaches to implementing themes, starting from simple light and dark modes to completely customizable themes. • Designing for dark mode from the beginning is crucial. • Challenges in designing for dark mode include ensuring all elements appear correctly in both light and dark themes. • CSS variables are a powerful tool for creating flexible and dynamic themes. • Media queries and color scheme preferences in CSS are essential for adapting to individual user requirements and preferences. • Dark mode is useful for screen recording, especially for reducing glare for those who wear glasses. • Storing the theme preference in a cookie and loading it during server-side rendering can prevent the flash of unstyled content when switching modes. • Using well-designed theming systems that rely on variable swapping avoids unnecessary complications and overrides. • The OKLCH color space and CSS variables can be used to create comprehensive color systems in design frameworks.