The Research into Dark Mode: A Systematic Review Using a Two-Stage Approach and the S-O-R Framework

Abstract

Dark mode in mobile applications has gained significant popularity in the business world, with many users opting to use it for various reasons. However, dark mode is still a relatively new area of study in academia, with limited research on its definition and concept. Moreover, there is a lack of academic research on current investigations and potential developments related to the dark mode. The advantages and disadvantages of dark mode are still a topic of debate. This paper conducted a thorough evaluation of the scholarship on dark mode across various disciplines. The goal was to establish a solid research process for studying the concept of dark mode and user experience. By doing so, it aims to lay a strong foundation for future investigations into the relationship between dark mode and the user experience. This paper conducted a comprehensive search and collection of articles on dark mode research over the past 30 years using a two-step approach, according to the Scopus database. A total of thirty-five articles were chosen according to the specified criteria for inclusion and exclusion. This paper thoroughly examines the themes, background, theoretical foundations, and research methods surrounding dark mode. It organised and combined the different factors of dark mode research using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework. The research framework presented here delves into the intricate concept of dark mode and explores the interplay between various factors, user experience, and user behaviours. Furthermore, this paper also highlighted the deficiencies in the current document studies and presented potential avenues for future research on dark mode.