Keep form states readable in an offered dark theme

What to change

If a dark theme is offered or follows system preferences, ask for complete component-state coverage rather than a background-only conversion.

A worked example

Illustrative example

An automatically filled email address stays readable in the dark theme, and its correction message uses an appropriate background and text combination.

How to check the result

Accept when every step of entry and recovery is readable in the offered theme, including browser-provided and third-party elements.

A mistake to avoid

Offering a theme toggle creates an expectation that the complete task works there, not just the header and decorative sections.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to recordInspect empty, focused, filled and invalid fields in the dark theme. Include browser autofill, dropdown lists and messages revealed after submission.Switch themes midway through completing a test form. Check values remain intact and no transition leaves the page with mismatched foreground and background colours.Ask the supplier to demonstrate the same states on supported browsers. Built-in controls may behave differently from the site's custom components.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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