AKDB Dark vs Light Theme
In this project, I designed sophisticated dark and light theme systems using AKDB's brand colors. The goal was to enhance the user experience and reinforce brand identity. By strategically using color, I created a color system that expresses hierarchy, state, and the essence of the brand, delivering a visually cohesive and intuitively engaging experience.
The Challenge
The existing design system relied heavily on a single primary color, limiting visual flexibility and adaptability across diverse user interfaces. The challenge was to expand the system's color palette without compromising brand consistency or usability. This required the thoughtful development of complementary color primitives that could seamlessly integrate with AKDB’s primary shade while enhancing the overall user experience and maintaining visual coherence across platforms.
The Solution
I leveraged the primary color to define background hues and elevation in both dark and light themes. This strategy ensures a seamless transition between themes, maintaining coherence and enhancing depth, while preserving the integrity of the brand across different lighting conditions.
Outcome
The development of the color system was guided by Material Design principles, resulting in a comprehensive and ergonomic framework. A key achievement was leveraging the primary branding color as a foundational reference, which helped ensure consistency and coherence across all design elements. This approach created a strong visual connection to the brand, reinforcing its identity and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
To further optimize the system, the range of primitive color shades was simplified and aligned with a more standardized color code structure. These refinements improved usability, clarified the color hierarchy, and supported a more intuitive design process.
While the current palette provides a solid foundation, further development is needed to expand the range of primitive colors. This will support a broader variety of system states and ensure the design system remains flexible and scalable for future needs.
Project challenges
Finding the right balance
Designing a color system that felt both simple and flexible across light and dark themes was a key challenge. Balancing clarity, subtlety, and accessibility required careful tuning. Defining elevation levels—especially in dark mode—was particularly complex, as it involved creating depth without cluttering the interface.
What I gained
Becoming a design system color expert
This project deepened my understanding of building scalable and accessible color systems across light and dark themes. I refined my ability to create visual hierarchy through color and elevation while maintaining brand consistency. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in simplifying complex design structures into intuitive, user-friendly frameworks—an essential skill for working on system-level design challenges.
