Rapise 8.2 Adopts Dark Mode for Better User Experience

Why Introduce a Dark Mode?

When we originally developed our three main product platforms, Spira, Rapise, and KronoDesk, we released them with solely a light mode (dark text on a white background) as that was the prevailing aesthetic in the mid-2000s. However, since then, the popularity of dark mode in applications has exploded.

There are many reasons for this:

Reduced Eye Strain: Many users find dark mode less straining on their eyes, especially in low-light conditions. The reduced brightness can help minimize eye fatigue and discomfort from prolonged screen use.
Better Contrast: Dark mode often offers better contrast for reading and viewing digital content. This can make it easier for some users to discern text and other interface elements, particularly those with visual impairments or conditions like astigmatism.
Power Savings: On devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode can help save battery life. These types of screens use less power to display dark colors because they actually turn off pixels to render blacks.
Aesthetic Preference: Some users simply prefer the look of dark mode. It can provide a sleek, modern appearance that feels less cluttered and more focused than traditional bright interfaces.
Less Blue Light: Dark mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted by screens, which can improve sleep quality if using devices before bedtime. Exposure to high levels of blue light in the evening can disrupt natural sleep patterns.
Reduced Screen Glare: In environments with ambient light, dark mode can help reduce screen glare, making it easier to view content without interference from reflections.
Helps with Focus: Some users find that dark mode helps them focus better on the content itself without the distraction of a bright interface, particularly when working on tasks involving text or detailed graphics.

So over time, we've introduced the option of dark mode in our various products...

Dark Mode in Spira

We introduced dark mode in SpiraTest, SpiraTeam & SpiraPlan in 2019 as part of our v6.1 release of the product:

Dark Mode in KronoDesk

When we released KronoDesk 2.0, it included a new theming component, that lets customers configure the look and feel of the system to match their company branding and website. As part of the default set of themes, we included a dark mode option:

Finally, Dark Mode in Rapise

We have wanted to include a dark mode option in Rapise for a while, but the variety of technologies we use to render the user interface made it more difficult than with Spira or KronoDesk. However, we have finally managed to make it happen, and the result is that the next version of Rapise (8.2) will sport a stylish new dark mode for the first time: