In today’s digital age, screen time has become an inevitable part of our lives, making the question of light mode versus dark mode more important than ever. With screen usage increasing at an exponential rate, digital eye strain, fatigue, and the impact on work productivity have become paramount issues. 🌓 Dark mode and light mode have their benefits and drawbacks; in this article, we’ll explore both options to help you make an informed choice for your eye health and productivity.
What are Dark Mode and Light Mode?
Before diving into the comparison, it’s essential to understand what these modes entail. Light mode refers to the default setting on most devices where the background is light, usually white, and the text is dark. On the contrary, dark mode flips this design, offering a dark background, often black or dark gray, with light text.
The Case for Dark Mode
Eye Health
One of the main benefits of dark mode is reduced eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, dark mode can decrease eye strain in dim lighting, reducing the risk of developing symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
Power Saving
Dark mode can also be a lifesaver for power saving. OLED and AMOLED screens, used in many modern devices, turn off pixels to display black, thereby conserving battery life. The darker your display, the less power it consumes.
Enhanced Focus and Productivity
Dark mode reduces the light emitted by screen displays while maintaining the minimum color contrast ratios required for readability. This can increase focus on the work at hand, promoting a more productive work environment, particularly for those working at night or in dimly lit spaces.
5 Tips on how to Work Properly with the Jira Dark Theme
The dark theme in Jira is a visual alternative to the light mode, often in black or dark gray shades, complemented by light-colored text and elements. As it’s available in Jira, users should know more about how to use it properly to prevent misunderstanding. You can read The Story of Dark theme article to learn more about the Jira dark theme. This information is not enough to imagine the full picture of its advantages. That’s why we have prepared a few tips to make your Jira dark mode experience more convenient:
1. Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Dark mode can be visually appealing, but it’s necessary to find the right balance of brightness and contrast to ensure readability and prevent eye strain. As it’s known, some team members (the support team, for example) work at night, so it’s a great ability that dark modes allow customization of text and background colors to adjust them if necessary.
2. Test Compatibility: Make sure to test the dark mode in various areas of Jira, including issue boards, dashboards, and detailed issue views. Check if all elements, such as icons, buttons, and text, are displayed correctly in dark mode to prevent mistakes in your work or even complaints from other Jira users.
3. Be Mindful of Colors: When working with dark mode, be aware of any color-related changes. Colors that work well in light mode may not be as effective in the dark one. Ensure that text and background colors have enough contrast for easy reading. If you notice that the top navigation bar is a custom color that is not compatible with the new dark theme, it is possible that an administrator has changed the site colors. You should text an administrator to revert the colors in order to work with the new themes.
To revert Jira colors and make it compatible with the new themes, Jira administrators should do these steps:
Go to Configuration > System
Under USER INTERFACE, select Appearance.
In the Navigation colors section > under Background, select Revert.
4. Consider Context Switching: If you frequently switch between applications or Jira projects, make sure the dark mode in Jira doesn’t clash with the appearance of other tools or create visual discomfort when context-switching.
5. Use Dark Mode Extensions (if needed): If you need more abilities of the Jira dark theme mode, consider trying third-party add-ons. However, be cautious when using third-party extensions, as they may not be officially supported by Atlassian.
By the way, our SaaSJet team is one of the first vendors who have supported Jira dark theme. Here are two add-ons that have such abilities, so you can try it at the Atlassian Marketplace and compare the dark mode with the light one – Smart Jira Forms and Issue History for Jira. Now, you can enjoy using them in a more user-friendly way and don’t worry about your vision condition.
How to switch to the dark mode?
To switch to dark mode, you should click on the icon of your profile photo in the top right corner of your screen. Choose the “Theme” option, and you’ll be met with four options: Light, Dark, Original, and Match system. The last option will adjust your Jira’s theme to your system’s theme.
The Case for Light Mode
Reading and Comprehension
According to a study published in the Human Factors Journal, light mode, or positive polarity (light background, dark text), enhances reading comprehension and proofreading performance. It’s also linked to faster reading speed due to the higher contrast, making it a great option for daytime reading and work.
Mood and Creativity
The light mode can have a positive psychological impact, potentially enhancing mood and creativity. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that bright light can stimulate alertness and creativity, promoting a more positive mood – an important factor when considering long work hours.
The Verdict
The choice between dark mode and light mode is largely subjective and depends on your specific requirements, preferences, and ambient light conditions. The dark mode is ideal for reducing eye strain in low-light conditions and conserving battery power. It might also enhance focus and productivity, particularly for late-night workers. On the other hand, the light mode can improve reading comprehension, speed and might even foster creativity.
To sum up, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the dark mode vs. light mode debate. It’s recommended to experiment with both settings and assess their impact on your eye health and productivity. Whichever mode you choose, remember to take regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes and keep your productivity levels high.
Next Steps
Ultimately, the decision between dark mode and light mode is personal. But this doesn’t mean you have to stick to one forever. Most devices and apps allow you to schedule times for each mode and take advantage of the benefits throughout your day. Happy browsing!
Discover the Best of Jira with SaaSJet Apps!
Having weighed the pros and cons of dark vs. light mode, you’re now equipped with insights to optimize your eye health and productivity. To enhance your Jira experience further, don’t miss out on the chance to try SaaSJet’s innovative add-ons.
🚀 Smart Jira Forms – Experience a streamlined workflow with user-friendly forms designed for efficiency.
🚀 Issue History for Jira – Navigate with ease and keep track of your issue history like never before. And yes, it’s available in both light and dark modes to suit your preference!
Take Action Now: Try SaaSJet add-ons and redefine your Jira experience.
Remember, the best way to find what works for you is to explore, experiment, and evolve. Let us support your journey towards improved efficiency and productivity!
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