While working on a data intensive project management app recently, I opted to use a light grey background (#f3f3f3), white (#fff) "cards" with a very subtle box shadow, and light-black (#333 of #585858) text on the cards. The area the user needs to read stands out, but is still white. The contrast between the text and the background is easy on the eyes. For links and other colors, I used "pastel" type shades so it's not too dark and not too bright.

I got this idea from looking at webapps like Google+, LinkedIn, Podio, and more. Check out these UI kit screenshots - it seems like this trend is quite common.







The question is: is this a trend or actually better for users? In my experience (taking a webapp that had darker elements and an all white background and then making it "flat", adding the grey background and "cards") this seems like a better route. This is based on feedback from users using the app heavily before and after the redesign.

Which color scheme to choose for applications that require long work hours?
After every load there is always some water left in the bottom of the drain basket/filter.  It's not up into the dishwasher itself, but when I reach into the filter to clean it, there's always water in it.  I have a GE QuietPower 3.

Is this expected?  If not, what can I do about it?
