Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #073D94, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of authority, trust, and stability. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its calming and reliable associations. In the RGB color model, #073D94 is composed of 0.03 red, 0.24 green, and 0.58 blue. This combination results in a color that is both visually appealing and conveys a sense of professionalism. Congress Blue is often used in corporate branding, government-related materials, and educational institutions to project an image of competence and dependability. Its historical connection to formal settings and institutions further enhances its perception as a color of significance and respect.
The hex color #073D94, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #073D94, lighter colors like white, yellow, or very light shades of gray would be suitable choices for foreground elements to achieve acceptable contrast. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be used to verify compliance. Also, provide alternative cues like icons or text labels to ensure usability for users with color vision deficiencies. Careful consideration of color combinations is essential to create inclusive and accessible web experiences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e4d99
This shade offers a slightly brighter alternative while maintaining a similar depth and richness, providing improved visibility and contrast in various applications.
- #6495ed
A lighter blue that evokes a sense of calm and trust, suitable for backgrounds or elements needing a less intense color.
- #4682b4
This dark grayish-blue offers a more muted and subdued alternative, ideal for creating a sophisticated and understated look in designs.
Applications
Financial Website Design
Congress Blue, #073D94, can be effectively used as a primary color in financial websites or applications to convey trust, stability, and security. Its deep, authoritative tone helps to establish credibility and reliability. In user interfaces, this color can be applied to headers, navigation bars, and key call-to-action buttons, ensuring they stand out without being overly aggressive. The use of Congress Blue in charts and graphs can also help present data in a clear and professional manner. When combined with complementary colors like light yellow or white, it creates a balanced and visually appealing interface that promotes user engagement and confidence.
Fashion Apparel
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue offers a versatile and sophisticated option for creating elegant and timeless apparel. The color's depth and richness make it an excellent choice for formal wear, such as suits, dresses, and evening gowns. As an accent color, Congress Blue can add a touch of refinement to accessories like scarves, handbags, and shoes. When paired with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white, it creates a classic and polished look. The color's association with authority and professionalism also makes it suitable for corporate attire, promoting a sense of confidence and competence.
Technology Branding
Congress Blue, #073D94, serves as a sophisticated choice for branding in the technology sector, embodying qualities of trust, innovation, and stability. This color is well-suited for logo designs, website layouts, and marketing materials, helping tech companies project a sense of reliability and forward-thinking vision. It can be effectively utilized in user interface elements, such as buttons and icons, to provide a consistent and professional user experience. When paired with modern typography and clean design elements, Congress Blue can enhance brand recognition and customer loyalty within the competitive technology landscape.