Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt (#064AAE)
The hex color #064AAE, commonly known as Cobalt, is a deep shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and intelligence. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.4% red, 29% green, and 68.6% blue. This color is often associated with corporate branding, technology, and educational institutions due to its professional and reliable appearance. Cobalt sits between cyan and blue on the color wheel, offering a more grounded and serious alternative to lighter or more vibrant blues. Its use in design can convey a sense of authority and sophistication, making it a popular choice for businesses aiming to project a strong and trustworthy image. Because of its low red value, designers should consider the accessibility implications of using it in web design and ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements.
The hex color #064AAE, also known as Cobalt, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. With its moderate darkness, the contrast ratio against a white background is acceptable but should be carefully considered. Text using #064AAE on a white background might pass WCAG AA standards for normal text but could fall short for larger text or user interface components. When using this color, it's advisable to test the contrast ratio with tools to ensure compliance. Furthermore, remember to provide clear visual cues beyond color alone. For users with color vision deficiencies, relying solely on Cobalt might lead to confusion or inability to distinguish elements. Consider implementing patterns, icons, or text labels to supplement the color and improve the overall accessibility of your design. Also, think about the cognitive load – a deep, saturated blue might be overwhelming for some users, so balance its use with lighter, neutral tones.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can be used as an alternative background color to complement Cobalt, reducing eye strain and improving readability.
- #6699cc
A desaturated blue, ensuring sufficient contrast and readability in various contexts.
Applications
Brand Color
Cobalt (#064AAE) can serve as a primary brand color, conveying feelings of trust, reliability, and intelligence. The deep hue is suitable for creating logos, website headers, and call-to-action buttons, ensuring brand recognition and a consistent visual identity. It's well-suited for financial institutions, tech companies, and educational organizations that aim to project an image of professionalism and stability. The boldness of Cobalt helps a brand stand out while retaining a sense of authority.
Web Design
In web design, #064AAE can be effectively used to highlight interactive elements, create visually appealing navigation menus, and divide sections within a webpage. Given its depth, it's best paired with lighter backgrounds to ensure readability and avoid overwhelming the user. Using it sparingly can add a touch of elegance, drawing the user's eye to key information and improving overall user experience. Consider using it for headings, links, and progress bars to guide the user effectively.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Cobalt can be used as an accent color in rooms, such as throw pillows, artwork, or rugs, to add depth and sophistication. It is often paired with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige to create a balanced and elegant space. As an accent, Cobalt does not overwhelm, but brings a dynamic contrast to a room that is pleasing to the eye.