Black theme

[720]

It would be really nice if we could change the base color of the website from white to black. For example,

reddit


Neogaf


I think it would be easy on the eyes too, especially at night when people post before bed and whatnot.

[tsherkin]

I wouldn't mind this, especially for that last idea, at night. White background while I'm laying in bed in the dark and looking at my phone is not my favorite.

Definitely a "would be nice" kind of option.

[C Court]

Over the years there has been a ton of testing between "black type on a white background" vs "white type on a black background".

By a significant margin, readability and comprehension are much higher with "black type on a white/light background" - just the way it is now on RGM.

That also explains why virtually no major site/app has a dark background. Google, FB, Twitter, Instagram, have light backgrounds because they want viewers to more easily read their content.

[tsherkin]

Over the years there has been a ton of testing between "black type on a white background" vs "white type on a black background".

By a significant margin, readability and comprehension are much higher with "black type on a white/light background" - just the way it is now on RGM.

That also explains why virtually no major site/app has a dark background. Google, FB, Twitter, Instagram, have light backgrounds because they want viewers to more easily read their content.

And as a default theme, black type on white/light background is nice. What's being asked is customization as an option, though, which is a preference issue and thus disconnected from the studies you are mentioning.

[C Court]

Most people prefer white backgrounds over black. Also, white backgrounds load faster, particularly on mobile.

[tsherkin]

Most people prefer white backgrounds over black. Also, white backgrounds load faster, particularly on mobile.

Right, and leaving that as the default option makes it so that no one who doesn't want to switch is obliged to do so. That said, preference options are added in general because not everyone agrees with the consensus majority.

[Howard Mass]

Anything is possible the next time we design.

i have no idea when this will be though.