Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #034098, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. It's a color that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. In color psychology, blue is often associated with calmness, intelligence, and responsibility. This particular shade, with its depth and richness, suggests a sense of importance and formality. Congress Blue is often used in branding and design to convey reliability and professionalism. The name Congress Blue itself hints at its association with governmental and political contexts, further reinforcing its image of authority and trustworthiness. It is a color suitable for institutions and organizations that want to project an image of competence and dependability. The hex code #034098 is composed of 1.18% red, 25.1% green, and 59.61% blue.
The hex color #034098, also known as Congress Blue, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its dark hue results in high contrast against lighter backgrounds, typically ensuring good readability for text. However, it's crucial to verify the contrast ratio using tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker to meet WCAG standards, especially for small text or when paired with mid-tone colors. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #034098 for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure sufficient visual cues, such as hover effects or underlines, are provided to aid users with visual impairments. Avoid using this color as the sole indicator of functionality. Also, be mindful of users with color blindness. Consider providing redundant visual cues to convey information. For example, if #034098 signifies a specific status, accompany it with text or an icon to ensure accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e60c9
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still offers a professional and calming feel, while potentially improving contrast against certain backgrounds.
- #002878
A deeper, more saturated blue that can provide a bolder and more eye-catching alternative, suitable for highlighting key elements.
- #0056b3
A more vibrant alternative, while maintaining a similar tone.
Applications
Educational Websites
Congress Blue can serve as a primary color in educational websites, conveying trustworthiness and authority. It is an excellent choice for backgrounds, headers, and navigation elements. For example, a university website can utilize this color to create a professional and reliable online presence. Use this color as the main color with a white or light grey font for optimal readability. The color can be accompanied by images of the university and its students. The color would give the institution a serious and trust-worthy appereance.
Data Visualization
In the realm of data visualization, #034098 can be used to represent key data points or trends. The deep blue hue offers a clear distinction from other colors in charts and graphs, making it easy to interpret complex information. For example, it can be used to highlight significant growth or decline in financial reports. Make sure that other data points have enough contrast to make the graph accessible for all users.
Technology Company Web Design
Congress Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and professional look in web design for technology companies. It works well for backgrounds, buttons, and other user interface elements. The color can be used in combination with a bright accent color to draw attention to key elements. The blue conveys innovation and seriousness which is a perfect fit for technology firms. The company can display images of the products that they are selling in the color theme, too.