Archive for July 20th, 2006

Something I was thinking about on my way home today…
Many web designers have claimed that black text on a white background is bad practice on the web. Studies have shown is causes more strain on the eyes, etc. It is usually suggested that you use a light color behind black text.

Almost all corporate sites ignore this advice and still use a bright, white background. The usual argument as to why this would be is "That’s the way everyone else is doing it."

However, I think a white background with black text is the best option when displaying text on the web. It has a parallel to real life which is important. If you go outside on a snowy day (sorry if you can’t relate, but I’m from Michigan) and the snow is too bright for your eyes, do you say snow shouldnt be so bright? No, you put on a pair of sunglasses because you don’t want the snow to be that bright. Websites should function similiarly. If a specific user has a personal preference of slightly darker backgrounds, then that specific user should adjust his/her monitor accordingly. It is impossible for websites to meet everyone’s personal preferences.

I just have a real issue with purposely lowering contrast. Laptops trying to save battery life have bad enough contrast as it is. We don’t need to make that even worse by designing in lower contrast.