Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #034994, is a deep shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its association with calmness, reliability, and authority. In the RGB color model, Congress Blue consists of 1.18% red, 28.63% green, and 58.04% blue. This color is often used in corporate branding, government agencies, and financial institutions to convey a sense of trustworthiness and dependability. The name 'Congress Blue' suggests a connection to governmental or political contexts, further reinforcing its association with authority and established institutions. Due to its dark nature, it's generally recommended to pair Congress Blue with lighter colors to ensure readability and visual contrast.
The hex color #034994, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it is crucial to ensure that text or interactive elements layered on top have sufficient contrast to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Lighter colors like whites, yellows, or light shades of green and blue work better as text color on this background. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the combination passes accessibility tests. Insufficient contrast can exclude users with low vision or color blindness, hindering their ability to perceive and interact with content effectively. Consideration should also be given to hover states and active states of interactive elements, ensuring these maintain acceptable contrast ratios. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, supplementing it with text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue (#034994) can be used to invoke feelings of professionalism and trust. It is appropriate for corporate websites, financial institutions, and government agencies, where reliability and stability are important. Consider using it for headings, navigation bars, or as an accent color in data visualizations to highlight key information. Given its deep hue, it is well-suited for backgrounds behind white or light-colored text, creating a visually appealing contrast.
UI/UX Design
In UI/UX design, Congress Blue (#034994) can serve as a primary color to establish a sense of authority and security within the application. It's effective for call-to-action buttons, progress bars, and other interactive elements where users need to feel confident and secure. However, avoid overusing the color to prevent the interface from feeling too heavy or monotonous. Balancing it with lighter, complementary colors can create a more engaging and user-friendly experience.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Congress Blue (#034994) can be used to design elegant and formal clothing. It works as a great base color for suits, dresses or evening wear. Its dark shade allows it to be combined with different color combinations, which allows it to easily stand out.