Context
Dark mode was the most requested feature by Ledger Live users. I led the design effort to implement a comprehensive dark theme across the desktop and mobile applications.
Outcome-first case study
Ledger Live Dark Mode
Case study snapshot
The short version before the full project story.
Key decision
Ledger Live has a complex UI with charts, transaction lists, portfolio graphs, and numerous third-party integrations. A dark theme couldn't simply be an inverted color palette — it needed careful consideration of contrast ratios, depth hierarchy, and readability across every surface.
Role
I worked as Product Designer on Ledger Live Dark Mode, shaping product decisions across Multi-platform.
Overview
Dark mode was the most requested feature by Ledger Live users. I led the design effort to implement a comprehensive dark theme across the desktop and mobile applications.
Challenge
Ledger Live has a complex UI with charts, transaction lists, portfolio graphs, and numerous third-party integrations. A dark theme couldn't simply be an inverted color palette — it needed careful consideration of contrast ratios, depth hierarchy, and readability across every surface.
Process
- Audit — Cataloged every color token and surface in the existing design system
- Token architecture — Built a semantic color system that maps to both light and dark palettes
- Validation — Tested contrast ratios across all critical UI patterns to ensure WCAG AA compliance
Solution
A full dark theme with semantic color tokens that automatically adapt based on system preference or manual toggle. The new token system also improved consistency across the app and made future theming significantly easier.
Impact
Dark mode launched as one of Ledger Live's most celebrated updates, with strong positive reception from the community. The semantic token system we built became the foundation of Ledger's updated design system.
