Announcement - Docsumo gives the product a new look : Why we decided to go with a lighter theme?

An ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, famously stated, "You cannot step into the same river twice.”

The statement simply suggests that change is eternal. 

But change also brings opportunity.

We at Docsumo, are happy to announce that we just updated the user interface of our product for a better look-n-feel, and improved interaction.

This change was always on the cards, and had been pending for a long time. Not long ago, we updated the look-n-feel of our website, now was the time to apply that to the product. 

We asked ourselves, “Do we really need that change? Will this transition be smooth for our users?” As the saying goes - why fix something that is not broken? 

So, we went on collecting feedback. 

We heard you, and decided to give our product a new look.

Limitation of older product theme

We were using a darker theme for our product. We built the product like this, and it stuck with us over time. 

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However, there are certain limitations to using a dark theme:-

#1. Dark backgrounds with light text can cause readability issues, especially if the contrast is not sufficient. Prolonged reading on a dark background can lead to eye strain and fatigue, particularly in low-light environments.

#2. Some users rely on high contrast settings or assistive technologies, and a dark theme might not meet their accessibility needs. Ensuring adequate color contrast and providing alternative accessibility options is crucial.

#3. Dark themes may not always integrate seamlessly with all types of content or third-party plugins. Some elements, such as images or videos with lighter backgrounds, might not blend well with a dark theme, leading to inconsistencies or visual clashes.

#4. Dark themes can limit design choices and pose challenges when aligning with a brand's established visual identity. 

#5. Dark themes might not appeal to all users, as preferences for light or dark themes can vary. 

Why did we make the shift to a lighter theme?

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After careful consideration and gathering valuable feedback, we made the decision to transition from a darker theme to a lighter one:-

1. Soothing and user-friendly experience

One of the primary factors that influenced our decision was the realization that people are more likely to use our product during the day. By adopting a lighter theme, we aimed to create a soothing visual experience for our users. The light color scheme reduces eye strain and makes it more comfortable for users to navigate and interact with our product for extended periods.

2. Enhancing user engagement

Understanding that users spend a significant amount of time on our product, we wanted to optimize their experience and make it more enjoyable. The lighter theme allows for better visibility and legibility of various page elements. Users can effortlessly locate and select from a multitude of options, facilitating a seamless and efficient workflow.

3. Brand consistency

Consistency across all touchpoints, including custom logo design, print collateral, and website, is crucial for building a strong brand identity. We wanted our product to align seamlessly with our branding efforts, which already embraced a lighter color palette. By harmonizing the product's theme with our website and other integration tools, such as Tally or Excel sheets, we created a cohesive brand experience that feels familiar and reinforces our brand presence.

4. Modernizing the user interface

Design trends evolve rapidly, and we recognized that our previous UI was starting to look dated. Embracing a lighter theme allowed us to revamp the user interface and adopt a more minimalistic design approach. The clean and streamlined aesthetics not only contribute to a modern look but also enhance the overall user experience, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.

5. Improved interaction

Throughout the redesign process, our focus was on enhancing user interaction. By adopting a lighter theme, we were able to optimize the visibility of interactive elements and ensure that users can easily navigate through the product's features and functionalities. The improved interaction encourages user engagement and contributes to an overall positive experience.

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Our users crave a modern and streamlined interface that not only looks visually appealing but also enhances usability. By adopting a minimalist design approach, we decluttered the UI, removed unnecessary elements, and created a clean and uncluttered visual experience. Through strategic use of whitespace, simplification of typography and color palettes, and a focus on essential functionality, we transformed the outdated UI into a sleek, contemporary design that aligns with current trends and elevates overall user perception and satisfaction.

However, if you find it difficult to adapt to the new version, you can always switch to the old version.