¿Cómo vemos los humanos?

How do we perceive the world through our senses?

Dark mode design is not just a fad; it is an adaptive response to how humans perceive the world. To create design that truly resonates with users, it is crucial to understand the psychology and physiology behind our senses. Although all senses play a role, the sense of sight is predominant in digital design. Our visual perception depends not only on what our eyes see, but how our brain processes that information.

How does human vision work?

Vision is a complex process that involves both the eye and the brain. Here are the essential steps:

1. Light from the environment is absorbed by the eye through the cornea.
2. A primary visual impression is generated.
3. Each eye transmits the image through the optic nerve.
4. The brain processes the information, resulting in what we perceive as vision.

To see, we need light, either emitted (such as from a screen) or reflected (such as natural light bouncing off an object).

Why is light important for design?

Light is the protagonist in visual perception. Whether emitted or reflected, it is indispensable for any optical interaction:

• Emitted light: It comes from electronic devices such as televisions and computers.
• Reflected light: It allows us to see the world as when sunlight bounces off an object.

Comparing the human eye to a camera illustrates this dynamic by highlighting how resolution is limited by the capacity of the optic nerve and intraocular cells, such as cones and rods, that decode light.

What role does the pupil play in our vision?

The pupil acts as a gate that regulates the entry of light into the eye. Its size changes depending on the ambient light:

• High light: The pupil contracts to protect the eye.
• Low light: The pupil dilates to capture as much light as possible.

How do spherical aberrations affect vision?

When the pupil adjusts rapidly to changes in light, it can cause spherical aberrations, resulting in out-of-focus images. A smaller pupil size minimizes these aberrations, increasing depth of field and reducing eyestrain.

What changes occur with age?

As we age, the pupil tends to reduce in size, allowing less light to enter, which can make reading or detecting text more difficult. Additionally, susceptibility to glare is greater, accentuating eyestrain, especially at night.

How does contrast affect eyestrain?

Rapidly changing from bright to dark environments can cause contrast polarization, leading to eye and brain fatigue. For example, if we move quickly in and out between a lighted area and a dark warehouse, our eyes and brain must work harder, resulting in eyestrain.

What role does color perception play in design?

Color perception is subjective and influenced by our emotions. Duller colors may appear more saturated if we are feeling cheerful. Although color perception may decline with age, the human brain compensates for this decline, allowing us to continue to appreciate vibrant colors.

How does dark mode design relate to these concepts?

Understanding how our senses, especially sight, perceive the world is essential to dark mode design. This approach not only seeks to reduce visual fatigue, but also to improve accessibility and comfort of use. As we delve deeper into the specific benefits of dark mode design, it is crucial to keep these physiological and emotional considerations in mind. If you're interested in learning more about how to apply these ideas in design, explore usability and design courses on Platzi. Keep exploring and designing with empathy and knowledge!