My Journey with Dark Backgrounds: Lessons Learned from Creating Dashboards and Slides

I’ve always enjoyed playing around with design, and for a while, I was really into the idea of using dark backgrounds for my dashboards and slides. I thought that a sleek, dark theme would give my presentations a modern and sophisticated feel. However, as I started sharing my work with the higher-ups, I quickly learned that what looks cool to me doesn’t always hit the mark with everyone, particularly my bosses.

The Initial Excitement

When I first started creating dashboards and slides, I opted for a dark background paired with light text and vibrant accent colors. It felt bold and innovative. I spent time perfecting contrast, experimenting with fonts, and ensuring that every chart and graph was clearly visible. I was excited to present this fresh take, confident that the dark theme would make my work stand out.

Receiving Feedback

The turning point came during one of our routine meetings. As I presented my dashboard, I noticed a few puzzled looks and heard some offhand remarks. After the meeting, one of my bosses pulled me aside and said, I appreciate the effort, but I just can’t seem to read these slides comfortably. Initially, I was taken aback because I had tested them on my own screen and they looked perfect to me.

A few more conversations later, I gathered some common points:

Readability Matters: In well-lit conference rooms, dark backgrounds sometimes make light text hard to read. Even when the contrast is good, reflections and ambient light can interfere.

Traditional Expectations: Many of my bosses are used to seeing light backgrounds. It’s simply what they are accustomed to, and it feels more professional in our corporate setting.

Quick Glance Reviews: During fast paced meetings, leaders need to quickly absorb the information. Light backgrounds tend to be easier on the eyes, especially when scanning over multiple slides or dashboards.

Practical Considerations: There were also concerns about printing. Dark slides not only use more ink but can also result in less clear printouts.

Adjusting My Approach

After reflecting on the feedback, I decided to make some changes. I experimented with lighter backgrounds while still trying to maintain some of the modern aesthetics I liked. I tested my new designs in different lighting conditions and even printed a few pages to check for clarity.

I discovered that:

A Light Background Helps: Switching to a white or very light gray background made a significant difference. It improved readability, especially for those viewing the presentation in bright rooms.

Consistency Is Key: Aligning my designs with the company’s brand guidelines (which favored lighter themes) helped create a consistent, professional look that resonated with everyone.

Focus on Clarity: I simplified my slides, ensuring that key points and data were immediately visible. This made it easier for decision makers to quickly grasp the important details.

Lessons Learned

This experience was a valuable reminder that design isn’t just about personal taste, but it’s also about the audience. Here are a few takeaways from my journey:

Know Your Audience: Before diving into design, consider the preferences and needs of your viewers. What might seem visually appealing to one person might not work for another, especially in a professional setting.

Test in Real World Conditions: Always check your designs in the environments where they will be used. What looks great on a high-end monitor might not translate well in a brightly lit room or when printed.

Stay Open to Feedback: It’s important to listen to constructive criticism. My bosses feedback helped me see things from a different perspective, ultimately improving my work.

Adapt and Evolve: Don’t be afraid to pivot your approach. Even if you have a creative vision, practical adjustments can make your work more effective and appreciated.

Conclusion

My journey with dark backgrounds taught me that innovation should always be balanced with practicality. While I still appreciate a dark theme for personal projects, I now understand that, in a professional setting, clarity and familiarity often win out. Today, my dashboards and slides reflect a blend of modern design with the clean, light backgrounds that my bosses and my audience find easy to read and understand.

This experience not only improved my design skills but also reinforced the importance of aligning creative ideas with the needs of the audience. It’s all part of growing and adapting in a dynamic work environment.

HSR Feb-2025