Deep Cerulean
General Information
The hex color #0072B4, often referred to as Deep Cerulean, is a captivating shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, trustworthiness, and professionalism. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0 red, 114 green, and 180 blue. This translates to a relatively low red component and a balanced mix of green and blue, resulting in its distinctive cool tone. Deep Cerulean is commonly associated with stability, confidence, and expertise, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, user interfaces, and data visualization. It is important to check if this color meet the contrast ratios needed for accessible design. In web design, this color should be used carefully with foreground text, considering the level of contrast. Additionally, #0072B4 can be seen as a neutral tone in certain contexts, allowing it to pair effectively with a variety of other colors.
The hex color #0072B4, a shade of deep cerulean, presents specific accessibility considerations for web developers. When used as a background color, sufficient contrast with foreground text is crucial. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can help verify compliance with WCAG guidelines. Avoid pairing this color with very light blues, greens, or yellows, as the contrast may be insufficient for users with visual impairments. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover and focus states provide a clear visual distinction to aid keyboard navigation and provide feedback to users. Using a darker shade of blue or a contrasting color like yellow or orange for these states is recommended. Also, consider providing a text label or ARIA attribute to clearly convey the purpose of the element.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3498db
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic but may offer better contrast in certain applications.
- #005689
A darker shade provides higher contrast and can be used for text or elements requiring greater emphasis.
- #5f9ea0
A muted grayish-blue that can serve as a subtle background or accent color without overpowering other elements.
Applications
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #0072B4 can be employed to establish a sense of trust and professionalism. It works well for primary buttons, headers, and navigation bars, conveying stability and reliability. Its calming effect makes it suitable for applications dealing with sensitive information, such as banking or healthcare platforms. Pair it with neutral colors like white, light gray, or a complementary accent color for a balanced and engaging user experience. Avoid overuse, as it can become monotonous. Employ whitespace strategically to prevent the interface from feeling crowded. The color evokes confidence and competence, which is important for platforms where users trust with their data.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, #0072B4 serves as an effective color for representing key data points or trends. Its prominence ensures that crucial information stands out without being overly distracting. When used in charts or graphs, it should be paired with contrasting colors to differentiate various data sets clearly. Ensure that the color is used consistently throughout the visualization to maintain clarity and coherence. For instance, in a line graph showing sales performance, #0072B4 can represent the primary product line, while other lines are represented by different, contrasting colors. Consideration should be given to colorblindness.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, deep cerulean can be used as an accent color or for accessories, conveying a sense of calm sophistication. It pairs well with neutral tones like grey, beige, or white, and can also be combined with other cool colors like teal or lavender for a harmonious look. It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both casual and formal wear.