Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #004798, is a deep, rich shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 27.8% green, and 59.6% blue. It falls under the category of blue hues that evoke feelings of trust, stability, and authority, making it a popular choice in corporate branding and government-related designs. This color is often associated with institutions that want to convey a sense of reliability and professionalism. Historically, deep blues have been used to represent nobility and power, further contributing to its current associations. Its CMYK values are 100% cyan, 71% magenta, 0% yellow, and 63% black. Congress Blue is a versatile color, suitable for both digital and print media, offering a strong visual impact.
The hex color #004798, also known as Congress Blue, offers moderate accessibility. When used as text on a white background, it provides a contrast ratio of approximately 4.5:1, meeting the minimum WCAG AA standard for normal text size. However, for larger text sizes (14pt bold or 18pt regular), it comfortably exceeds the 3:1 ratio. To ensure optimal accessibility, especially for users with visual impairments, it's recommended to use this color with lighter backgrounds, such as shades of white, light gray, or very pale yellows. Avoid pairing it with dark backgrounds as this can reduce readability. Additionally, consider providing alternative text descriptions for any images or graphical elements using this color to enhance accessibility for screen reader users. Further testing with accessibility evaluation tools will provide a more detailed analysis.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #337ab7
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides improved contrast, while maintaining a similar aesthetic appeal. It increases readability when used as text on lighter backgrounds.
- #002855
A darker shade for backgrounds, which complements Congress Blue well and offers a sophisticated, high-contrast pairing, when Congress Blue is used as text.
- #6699cc
A softer, muted blue that offers a calming and less intense alternative, suitable for designs requiring a gentler aesthetic.
Applications
Financial Dashboards
Congress Blue is often seen in financial dashboards to present key performance indicators (KPIs) and data visualizations. Its professional tone conveys trustworthiness and reliability, making it an excellent choice for displaying sensitive financial information. It can effectively differentiate data sets through various shades and tints, improving data comprehension and user experience. The color's calming effect also helps users focus on complex data without feeling overwhelmed.
UI Design: Primary Buttons
In user interface (UI) design, Congress Blue can be used for primary buttons, navigation menus, and interactive elements. Its strong presence grabs user attention, guiding them through key actions within the interface. When combined with appropriate hover and active states, it enhances the user experience by providing clear visual feedback. Its association with trust and authority makes it a suitable choice for applications where user confidence is essential, such as banking and e-commerce platforms.
Fashion: Formal Wear
Congress Blue makes a bold statement in fashion, whether used in solid garments or as accent colors. It projects an image of sophistication and authority, making it suitable for professional attire or formal wear. When paired with neutral colors like gray, black, or white, it creates a classic and elegant look. In casual wear, it can be combined with brighter hues for a more playful and energetic style. Its versatility allows it to be incorporated into various fashion trends and styles.