International Klein Blue
General Information about #0538ae
The hexadecimal color code #0538ae represents a dark shade of blue. It is often associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and trust. In the RGB color model, #0538ae is composed of 2% red, 22% green, and 68% blue. In the CMYK color model, if used for printing, it is composed of 99% cyan, 68% magenta, 0% yellow, and 32% black. This color is often referred to as International Klein Blue (IKB) due to its resemblance to the shade developed by the artist Yves Klein. The color falls into the blue color family and has a distinct presence and evokes feelings of stability and authority, making it suitable for applications where reliability and trustworthiness are essential.
The hex color #0538ae, a deep, saturated blue reminiscent of International Klein Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value means that it offers insufficient contrast against light backgrounds, rendering text and other visual elements difficult for users with visual impairments to discern. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. This color likely falls short of these recommendations when paired with white or light gray. To enhance accessibility, consider using this color sparingly, primarily as an accent color rather than for crucial information. When using it for text or interactive elements, ensure it's paired with a sufficiently dark background to meet contrast ratio requirements. Tools such as contrast checkers can help evaluate compliance with accessibility standards. Alternatives could include lighter shades of blue or using this color with white or black outlines to increase contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366cc
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible.
- #002080
A darker shade of blue can be used in combination with #0538ae to provide better differentiation in user interfaces.
- #4169e1
A similar blue tone, but more adapted for use in branding and marketing contexts
Applications
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #0538ae can be employed as a primary color for buttons, links, and other interactive elements. However, its limited accessibility requires careful consideration of text and background contrast. For instance, white text on a #0538ae background might not meet WCAG standards for readability. In such cases, designers should consider darkening the blue or using a thicker font weight to improve contrast. It can also be used as a background color for sections of a website to draw attention.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, #0538ae, resembling International Klein Blue, makes a bold and artistic statement. It can be used in clothing, accessories, and makeup to convey creativity and sophistication. Consider its use in evening wear, statement jewelry, or as an accent color in a broader palette. When using this shade in fashion, take note of how it interacts with skin tones and pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and visually appealing look. Brighter colors or lighter colors are well suited as accent colors to complement the dark tone of #0538ae.
Interiour Design
When using #0538ae in interiour design, it is important to consider the psychology of blue. It can have a calming and trustworthy effect, which makes it useful in areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms. It is equally important to take into account the low visibility of the color when used in the wrong conditions, so accent colors are recommended.