Science Blue
General Information about Science Blue (#076CCF)
The hexadecimal color code #076CCF represents a shade of blue often referred to as "Science Blue". It is created by combining relatively low amounts of red (07 in hexadecimal), a moderate amount of green (6C in hexadecimal), and a high amount of blue (CF in hexadecimal). In the RGB color model, it is equivalent to approximately 0.03 red, 0.42 green, and 0.81 blue. Science Blue is commonly associated with feelings of trust, stability, and intelligence. These are all qualities that explain its popularity in corporate branding, user interface design, and information visualization. Due to its calming and professional nature, it suits a wide array of applications that benefit from projecting reliability and expertise.
The color #076CCF, also known as Science Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as text on a white background. Its relatively low luminance (brightness) can result in insufficient contrast, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read comfortably. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Science Blue may not meet these standards, especially for smaller text sizes. Web developers should carefully consider the background color and text size when using Science Blue to ensure readability for all users. Solutions include using a lighter shade of blue, pairing it with a darker background, or increasing the text size to improve contrast and overall accessibility. Using accessibility evaluation tools to check the contrast ratio is highly recommended during the design and development process.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3498db
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability without drastically changing the color's essence.
- #0b486b
A darker shade of blue that provides better contrast, making it suitable for text and interactive elements where readability is paramount.
- #0077cc
A similar blue but with a touch more saturation, making it pop a bit more while maintaining a professional appearance.
Applications
Interactive UI Elements
Science Blue can be used as the primary color for links and buttons to guide users and create a consistent and recognizable brand presence. Its calming and professional nature makes it a reliable choice for various interactive elements within a website or application. When using as the primary color for links and buttons, consider the accessibility implications by providing sufficient contrast, especially for users with visual impairments. Ensure interactive elements are easily identifiable by adding additional cues such as underlines on hover for links or a darker shade on hover for buttons, enhancing usability.
Data Visualization
This shade of blue evokes trust and reliability, making it ideal for websites and applications in the financial and technological sectors. It can be used in charts, graphs, and infographics to present data clearly and professionally. Its versatility makes it suitable for creating a clean and modern user interface, while also maintaining a sense of stability and credibility. Further applications include backgrounds for statistics or call-to-action buttons to draw attention to certain website areas.
Corporate Branding
Science Blue works well in branding materials, such as logos, business cards, and letterheads, especially for companies wanting to project an image of expertise and dependability. Its association with science and technology makes it suitable for businesses operating in these fields. The color ensures recognisability and trust. Its subtle nature ensures that branding materials will appear elegant and professional without being too flamboyant. When used with white or light-grey, this color will bring a sense of sophistication and attention to detail.