It seems like a night and day difference, but few travelers noticed it on Monday: the ‘dark mode’ on screens at train stations. The information boards at the stations will look different from Monday, including at the station in Breda. Where the signs used to have a white background with blue letters, it is now exactly the other way around.
To celebrate the new look, the NS very appropriately handed out half-moon licorice. However, not all travelers are immediately aware of it. “What strikes me? It looks like there is a malfunction,” says a lady while pointing to an information board. Another man says: “Trains are breaking down.”
Other travelers notice it immediately. “It has changed color. That is noticeable,” says one man. Another traveler also sees it immediately. “That color was not there this morning. I don’t think the appearance is important, as long as the information is clear. I think it is clearer on these signs.”
Another traveler is less positive about the adjustment. “I think it’s nice, but I can’t read the text as well. I’ll eventually get used to it.” For another man it doesn’t matter that much. “It doesn’t really interest me that much. I can still see all the information I need.”
The change to a dark background with white letters took about a year and a half. According to NS, it has several advantages. “It gives the eyes some rest. At first the signs were of course bright white with blue letters. Even if you look from a distance, you can see the information better,” says spokesperson Arno Leblanc. According to him, it is nice for people with a visual impairment or travelers who are color blind.
In addition, the new appearance saves energy. For example, the light intensity has been reduced, so that each screen saves three percent. But according to the NS, that will increase. “We will be replacing many boards soon. In combination with the dark mode, you will save thirty percent,” says Leblanc.
The NS held several test days and worked together with the Eye Association. For the dark design, the font, font size and contrasts used have been taken into account. Ultimately, the intention is that the travel information in the trains will also switch to dark mode later.
