Dark Mode Readiness
The interface is legible and correct in dark mode, not just inverted.
Check
Colors are defined as semantic tokens (surface, text, border) not raw hex. Elevation uses lighter surfaces (not just shadows) in dark mode. Contrast still meets 4.5:1. Images/illustrations with baked-in white backgrounds are handled. Brand accent remains distinguishable.
Why This Matters
Dark mode is not a color inversion - pure-black backgrounds and un-tuned accents cause halation and contrast failures. Josef Albers' core lesson applies: a color's appearance depends on its context, so every token must be re-evaluated against the dark surface.
Category
Design System
Priority
nice to have
How to Verify
Toggle the theme on every screen. Check contrast in dark mode with a checker, inspect elevated surfaces, and look for white flashes on images and embeds.