Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #024696, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. It is a color often associated with governmental institutions, financial organizations, and educational establishments, reflecting its inherent sense of professionalism and reliability. In the RGB color model, #024696 is composed of 0.8% red, 27.5% green, and 58.8% blue. Its CMYK values are 99% cyan, 52% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. This color sits within the blue color family and can be perceived as a cool and calming hue. Due to its depth, it is often used to create a sense of importance and formality in design. It's not a color found often in nature which adds to its artificial and intentional feeling.
The hex color #024696, also known as Congress Blue, presents specific accessibility challenges, especially when used as a text color. Due to its dark hue and low luminance, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the minimum contrast ratio for normal text is 4.5:1 and for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), it is 3:1. When using #024696 for text, it is crucial to pair it with a light background color to meet these contrast requirements. White (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of gray are recommended background colors to enhance legibility. Additionally, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements like links or buttons without sufficient visual cues, such as underlines or borders, as its low contrast can make it difficult for users to identify interactive elements. Ensuring proper contrast not only benefits users with visual impairments but also improves the overall user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast and visibility, while still maintaining a professional and calming feel.
- #d3d3d3
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to complement #024696, offering a balanced and accessible design.
- #2f4f4f
A dark shade of gray, almost black, that could be used as a high contrast background for text written in light colors.
Applications
Versatile Applications in Design
Congress Blue (#024696) is a versatile color that finds application in various design fields. In web development, it can be used for navigation bars, headers, and footers to create a professional and trustworthy look. The deep blue hue evokes a sense of stability and authority, making it suitable for websites related to finance, education, or government. In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color or for furniture upholstery to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to a room. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white to create a balanced and harmonious space. In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear, such as suits and dresses, to convey confidence and professionalism. It can also be incorporated into accessories like scarves and handbags to add a pop of color to an outfit.
Branding and Corporate Identity
In branding, Congress Blue (#024696) projects reliability and trustworthiness, making it ideal for companies seeking to establish a strong and dependable image. Its association with authority and stability lends credibility to the brand, making it suitable for industries like finance, insurance, and law. The color's calming effect can also create a sense of security and reassurance, appealing to customers seeking a trustworthy partner. Congress Blue can be used in logos, marketing materials, and website design to reinforce the brand's message and create a consistent visual identity. It is important to use this color strategically, considering its potential to evoke formality and seriousness, and balancing it with other colors and design elements to achieve the desired brand perception.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, Congress Blue (#024696) provides a visually appealing and informative method to convey complex information. Its deep hue and association with professionalism make it suitable for charts, graphs, and maps, enhancing clarity and engagement. In infographics, Congress Blue can be used for titles, highlights, or key data points to draw attention and reinforce insights. Its ability to create a sense of order and structure makes it ideal for presenting quantitative data. Congress Blue effectively communicates data and fosters trust in the information being presented.