Elevation in Dark Mode: Surface Tints Over Shadows

In light mode, black drop shadows contrast vividly against white canvases. In dark mode, however, a black shadow cast against a dark charcoal background (#0B0F19) is virtually invisible.

The Dark Mode Elevation Formula: Instead of relying solely on shadows, dark interfaces express elevation through luminosity and border highlights:

1. Lighter Surface Colors: Each elevation tier receives a slightly lighter background tint (e.g., Level 0 = #0B0F19, Level 1 = #151C2C, Level 2 = #1E293B, Level 3 = #2C3A54).
2. Subtle White Border Highlights: A 1px border with 6–10% white opacity (border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08)) creates a crisp specular highlight that outlines the elevated boundary.
3. Deep Ambient Glow: In dark mode, shadows act as dark occlusions rather than black shapes.