UI Design

Pure Black and Pure White in UI Design

Pure black and pure white in UI design are widely used colors, forming the foundation of many brand identities. However, their application in UI design isn’t always ideal.

While these colors create striking contrasts, they can also cause eye strain, overpower other UI elements, and appear unnatural. Understanding their impact helps designers make more intentional color choices that balance aesthetics and usability.

3D illustration of a police officer standing in front of caution tape, symbolizing restrictions in UI design.

The Impact of Pure Black and Pure White in UI Design

All designers know two of the 16 million hexes available: pure white (#FFFFFF) and pure black (#000000). These two colors make the backbone of many well-established brands. But they might not be ideal for UI design, and why? Keep on reading to find out.

Contrast Is Too Strong

Pure black and pure white create a harsh contrast, which can lead to visual fatigue, and they don’t comply with A11y accessibility rules.

High-contrast combinations (pure black text on a pure white background or vice versa) strain the eyes, particularly during prolonged use.
Pure white backgrounds produce excessive glare, especially in low-light environments.
Pure black can create a harsh contrast when combined with other colors, making interfaces visually jarring.

UI text readability comparison: glowing white text vs. well-balanced white text on black.

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They Are Overpowering

Pure black and pure white overpower other UI colors. Less saturated colors get over-dominated by them.

Comparison of different saturated colors

They Look Unnatural

In nature, we rarely find pure black and pure white, which are used on screens. Using slight variations of these two colors balances readability, aesthetics, and visual comfort.⁠

Instead of pure black, use some of these colors:

A color comparison of different shades of black and gray used in UI design.

Instead of pure white, use some of these colors:

A color comparison of different shades of white and off-white used in UI design.

Pure white is not as big of an Ul crime as pure black; you can safely use it for backgrounds, as long as the text isn’t pure black.

“Grey” Area

Pure black and pure white can be used in UI design successfully if they’re used with intent and while keeping these points in mind.

UI layout examples of websites using black-and-white design principles.

While pure black and pure white in UI design remain essential, their impact on accessibility, usability, and aesthetics must be considered. Opting for softer variations of these colors enhances readability and reduces eye strain. The thoughtful application ensures a balanced, user-friendly interface that remains functional across different lighting conditions and user needs.

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Happy designing! 🤗