Dimming Overlay

Dimming overlays are used to visually obscure the background content, drawing attention to the foreground elements, such as modals or dialogs. They enhance focus by reducing distractions.

Overview

Dimming overlays create a visual contrast by dimming the background, ensuring that the user's focus remains on the active elements like pop-ups or modals.

When to use

• Use when a process or task is in progress, such as during loading screens or when requiring user confirmation, to signal inactivity in the background.

• When users need to focus on a single task, such as filling out a form or making a decision, dimming the background improves concentration.

• Use in scenarios that require a temporary visual separation between layers, such as creating depth in the UI when multiple tasks or messages overlap.

When not to use

• Avoid using for non-essential elements like tooltips or notifications, as these typically don't require such strong focus or background suppression.

• Do not use when the user needs to interact with both the foreground and background elements, such as with content comparison or split-screen interfaces.

• Refrain from using for small-scale content like status updates or progress indicators that don't warrant full focus by dimming the background.

• Skip dimming overlays when there’s already minimal content or clutter on the page, as the extra visual barrier may feel unnecessary or heavy-handed.

Types

Anatomy

1. Background: The inactive interface area behind the dimmer, obscured to keep attention on the task at hand.

2. Dimming Overlay: The semi-transparent overlay that dims the background, reducing visual noise and enhancing focus on the front content.

3. Front Content: The content in focus, such as a pop-up window or actionable dialog, which the dimming overlay highlights.

Accessibility

• Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that users can fully navigate the modal or foreground content with their keyboard. The dimming overlay should not trap focus outside of the intended element.

• Screen Reader Compatibility: The foreground content (modals/dialogs) must be announced immediately, with the dimmed background being non-focusable and clearly described as unavailable until the modal is closed.

• Color Contrast: Ensure that the dimming overlay provides enough contrast against both the foreground and background content, ensuring users can easily distinguish between layers.

Example

• Confirmation Modal for Deleting Items: When a user attempts to delete something, the dimming overlay draws attention to the confirmation dialog.

• Login or Authentication Pop-Ups: Use a dimming overlay when presenting a login dialog on top of a website’s content to isolate the authentication action.

• Warning or Alert Dialogs: For displaying critical system warnings or urgent messages, dimming overlays ensure the user acknowledges the alert.

• Loading Screen or Progress Dialog: During a background process, use a dimming overlay to obscure inactive elements and make the loading spinner or progress bar more visible.