On October 18, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln launched support for Dark Mode in its web framework. Nebraska is believed to be the first major university to support Dark Mode in its websites and web apps.
The light-on-dark color scheme has gained popularity in recent years with support in apps such as Twitter, GitHub, Facebook, Microsoft Office and several Google apps. Dark mode can provide enhanced readability for some users and when used at the end of the day to reduce screen brightness, can reduce devices’ effect on melatonin levels and impact on sleeping. Dark Mode also has benefits in energy use for the increasing numbers of new-technology screens on smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Developers should consult their Web Audit reports to identify and troubleshoot issues related to Dark Mode on their websites. Please report framework-related Dark Mode issues via Slack to the #darkmode channel in the Web Developer Network workspace. Email can also be sent directly to the Digital Experience Group at dxg@listserv.unl.edu.
The regular Light Mode will remain the default on university sites and apps. Users can enable Dark Mode on their device in their system settings: