Dark Mode vs Light Mode: Impact on User Experience and Visual Comfort in Mobile Applications

Nguyen Minh Tuan; Tran Thi Lan; Pham Duc Hieu

doi:10.59431/jms.v4i1.711

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Dark Mode vs Light Mode: Impact on User Experience and Visual Comfort in Mobile Applications

Nguyen Minh Tuan, Tran Thi Lan, Pham Duc Hieu

View Author Affiliations

Nguyen Minh Tuan: Hanoi University of Industry, Viet Nam
Tran Thi Lan: Thuongmai University, Viet Nam
Pham Duc Hieu: Hanoi University of Industry, Viet Nam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59431/jms.v4i1.711

Published:

February 10, 2026

Pages:

34-51

222

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354

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Abstract

The introduction of dark mode as a default option on all major mobile platforms has sparked considerable debate regarding its impact on user experience and visual comfort. We employed a mixed-method approach through an online survey (n=215), a controlled experiment (n=45), and heuristic evaluation of 12 popular mobile apps to assess user preferences and display mode impacts on visual comfort. Survey findings indicated that 68.4% preferred dark mode, mainly due to increased visual comfort and decreased eye strain in low-light environments. The experimental part used within-subject design to show significant differences in subjective comfort ratings (p<0.05) and reading performance across different ambient lighting conditions for various display modes. Heuristic evaluation uncovered critical design issues including optimization of contrast ratio, consistency in the color palette as well as compliance with accessibility standards. Results indicate that the application of dark mode should be context-aware considering ambient light, type of content, and personal sensitivity to vision changes. Our results provide evidence-based recommendations for mobile application designers and contribute to literature regarding visual ergonomics within mobile HCI.

Keywords

Dark Mode; Light Mode; User Experience; Visual Comfort; Mobile Applications; Interface Design; Usability

Author Biographies

Nguyen Minh Tuan

Hanoi University of Industry

Faculty of Information Technology, Hanoi University of Industry, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Thi Lan

Thuongmai University

Department of Computer Science, Thuongmai University, Hanoi, Vietnam

Pham Duc Hieu

Hanoi University of Industry

Faculty of Information Technology, Hanoi University of Industry, Hanoi, Vietnam

Article Identifiers

Article Title: Dark Mode vs Light Mode: Impact on User Experience and Visual Comfort in Mobile Applications
DOI: 10.59431/jms.v4i1.711
Publication Date: 2026-02-10

Journal: Journal Mobile Technologies (JMS)
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Pages: 34-51

References

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Article Details

Volume:	4
Issue:	1
Year:	2026
Published:	2026-02-10
Pages:	34-51
Section:	Articles

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How to Cite

Minh Tuan, N., Thi Lan, T., & Duc Hieu, P. (2026). Dark Mode vs Light Mode: Impact on User Experience and Visual Comfort in Mobile Applications. Journal Mobile Technologies (JMS), 4(1), 34-51. https://doi.org/10.59431/jms.v4i1.711