Email Design That Shines in Any Mode

In today's digital landscape, email remains a vital channel for communication. As you design your email campaigns, it's crucial to ensure they look great and function well regardless of whether your recipients are using standard or dark mode. Let's dig into why testing in both modes matters and how it can contribute to more accessible and inclusive email design.

Why Testing in Both Modes Matters

When you test your emails in both standard and dark mode, you're not just checking aesthetics – you're enhancing overall user experience. Here are some of our top recommendations as to why you should make this a priority:

1. Enhance User Experience: Colour choices that can creatively ‘pop’ in standard mode can become unreadable in dark mode (or vice versa). For instance, light text on a light background can become incredibly challenging to read due to poor contrast levels. By testing in both modes, you ensure your design remains clear and engaging for all recipients.

2. Promote Inclusivity: Dark mode is more than just a preference – it's a necessity for many users, particularly those with visual impairments or neurological support needs. By neglecting to test in dark mode, you risk excluding a significant portion of your audience. Inclusive design practices, like testing in both modes, ensure your emails remain accessible to everyone.

3. Build a Positive Brand Image: Accessible design reflects your brand's values and commitment to quality. When your emails are easy to read in both modes, it demonstrates that you care about your users' experience. Conversely, emails that are hard to read can harm your reputation and erode trust.

   
   
   
   

Practical Tips for Testing Your Emails

To ensure your emails shine in both standard and dark mode, follow these practical tips:

• Meet Accessibility Guidelines: Resources like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) can provide guidance like recommended colour contrast guidelines for email communication. Checking your emails against these guidelines can make a significant difference in readability.

• Preview in Multiple Clients: Different email clients display dark mode differently. Make sure to preview your emails across popular clients like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail to ensure your design looks great across all platforms. Tools like Email On Acid can be invaluable in this process.

Final Word

Ensuring your emails look and function well in both standard and dark mode is just one aspect of creating accessible and inclusive email design. As we continue to explore more topics around accessibility in future blogs, we want to hear from you – if there's something specific you'd like to know or read about, feel free to reach out to your UbiQuity Marketing Automation Consultant. We're always here to help you create more engaging and accessible digital experiences.