Design Principle
Dark mode is not color inversion; text, borders, state colors, and elevation need rechecking.
Principle Dark mode is not color inversion; text, borders, state colors, and elevation need rechecking.
Design action Dark mode uses layered surfaces, lower-saturation state colors, and sufficient text contrast; borders/shadows must separate levels.
Examples Positive example: Dark admin tools, code tools, nighttime products, and multi-theme design systems need stable readability. Counterexample: Pure black backgrounds with highly saturated text feel harsh.
Apply when Dark admin tools, code tools, nighttime products, and multi-theme design systems need stable readability. Users need to judge state, scope, risk, or next action quickly.
Source notes Source note: Synthesized from W3C WCAG 2.2, Apple Accessibility, IBM Carbon Accessibility, and accessibility practices in major design systems.
Agent Directive
Dark mode uses layered surfaces, lower-saturation state colors, and sufficient text contrast; borders/shadows must separate levels.