Science Blue
General Information about #0542E1
The color #0542E1, also known as Science Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. It is composed of 2% red, 26% green, and 88% blue in the RGB color model. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 97% cyan, 71% magenta, 0% yellow, and 12% black. This color is frequently associated with concepts like technology, innovation, and trust. In branding, it can convey a sense of professionalism and reliability, making it a popular choice for companies in the tech, finance, and healthcare industries. Its hexadecimal value of #0542E1 signifies its unique spectral composition, representing a precise point in the color spectrum, while its deep tone adds a certain level of sophistication and gravitas.
The color #0542E1, a deep shade of blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly regarding contrast. When used as text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. In practical terms, this means pairing #0542E1 with colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very pale yellows or greens. Using it for crucial interface elements or call-to-action buttons is not recommended, as it may be difficult for users to perceive and interact with. Careful consideration must be given to font sizes, weights, and surrounding colors to maximize legibility and inclusivity for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Using contrast checking tools during the design process is essential for ensuring accessibility compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter blue that offers improved contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for text and user interface elements.
- #002984
A more saturated blue which can draw more attention as a highlight color, or for graphical elements.
- #64b5f6
A bright blue, useful as an alternative for highlighting interactive elements. It is brighter and offers better contrast than #0542E1.
Applications
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #0542E1 can be utilized for non-essential decorative elements where strong contrast is not critical. It can serve as a background accent in a dark mode theme. It could also be used sparingly for graphical elements like icons, illustrations, or data visualizations, provided that critical information is conveyed through other means, such as labels or tooltips, to ensure accessibility. Because of its darker nature, it is best to use with lighter colors, or in situations where high contrast is not vital.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, #0542E1 can represent a specific data series or category. However, its low luminance value necessitates careful consideration of color pairings. For instance, brighter or more saturated colors could be used alongside it to ensure visual distinction between data points. Labels and legends should also be clear and easily readable. Ensure that using this color does not obscure the other data points in the visualization.
Fashion Design
This blue creates a bold, modern aesthetic in fashion design when used as an accent color in clothing or accessories. Its depth makes it best suited for small areas to avoid overwhelming the overall design. This color makes a good option for evening wear, especially when combined with metallic silver or gold accents.