Congress Blue
General Information
The hex color #035198, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.18% red, 31.76% green, and 59.61% blue. This composition gives it a deep, cool tone. In the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) model, it has a hue of 211 degrees, a saturation of 98%, and a value of 60%. This indicates a highly saturated and relatively dark color. Congress Blue is often associated with feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It's frequently used in corporate branding, government websites, and academic institutions to convey professionalism and reliability. Its dark tone makes it suitable for backgrounds or accents where a strong, yet calming, presence is desired. However, its low luminance requires careful consideration of contrast when used with text.
The hex color #035198, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of 5.34 means it has a poor contrast ratio against a white background (1.23:1). According to WCAG guidelines, this fails to meet the minimum contrast ratios for both normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1). Therefore, using #035198 for text on a white background is not recommended, especially for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter background color or a brighter text color to increase contrast. Using tools like contrast checkers can help assess and improve the accessibility of color combinations. Ensure the color is not the sole method of conveying information. Additional cues like text labels or icons should accompany the color to enhance usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e86c1
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility for users with visual impairments.
- #023047
A darker shade of blue, suitable for backgrounds or accents where a strong, contrasting element is needed, enhancing visual hierarchy.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue alternative, ideal for highlighting interactive elements and drawing user attention to important sections.
Applications
Financial Applications
Congress Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and trustworthy appearance in financial applications. Its professional tone lends itself to data visualization, interface elements, and branding materials, fostering user confidence and conveying stability. The color evokes feelings of competence and reliability, making it ideal for banking apps, investment platforms, and secure payment gateways. Its usage in charts and graphs to represent trends or important data can make the information easier to understand.
Educational Platforms
Congress Blue can serve as a primary color in educational websites and apps, creating a calming and focused learning environment. Its association with knowledge and intelligence promotes concentration and retention. Using it for interface elements, headers, and accents can convey authority and credibility, encouraging students and educators alike. Furthermore, the color's inherent stability makes it a great fit for serious content that requires focused attention and critical analysis.
Formal Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear such as suits and dresses, creating a professional and elegant look. It's a versatile color that can be paired with neutrals like gray and beige for a classic look, or with brighter colors for a bold statement. The color exudes a sense of composure, making it suitable for business attires and high-end events. Its depth allows it to easily complement various skin tones, and the sophistication it adds to any outfit guarantees you a spotlight.