Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#080C60)
The hex color #080C60, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a subtle depth, reminiscent of deep ocean waters. It is composed of 3.14% red, 4.71% green, and 37.65% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:8, G:12, B:96. In the CMYK color space, its approximate values are C:92, M:88, Y:0, K:62. This color tends to evoke feelings of calmness, sophistication, and stability. Due to its low lightness, it's often used sparingly as an accent color or in backgrounds to provide depth and contrast. When used in design, it's important to pair it with lighter colors to ensure readability and avoid visual fatigue. Gulf Blue is a color that can add a touch of elegance and professionalism to various projects, from branding to web design.
The color #080C60, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low lightness value results in poor contrast against commonly used background colors like white, making text and interactive elements difficult to read. Web developers should avoid using this color for text or essential UI elements without careful consideration of color contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and its background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. When using Gulf Blue, developers should pair it with a much lighter color to ensure sufficient contrast. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help assess and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility standards, ensuring content is usable by a wider audience, including those with low vision or color blindness. It is crucial to prioritize inclusivity and ensure all users can access and understand the information presented.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #293399
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic while offering improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #3366ff
A more vibrant blue that provides better visibility and can be used as an accent color.
- #f0f0f0
A neutral gray provides a safe background for text with the gulf blue color.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Gulf Blue can be used as a background color for website headers and footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. Its dark hue provides a sense of depth and can effectively highlight navigation menus and contact information. However, it's crucial to ensure that the text and other elements placed on this background have sufficient contrast to maintain readability and accessibility. Consider using a light color like white or a pale yellow for text to ensure it stands out against the dark background.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, Gulf Blue can be used to represent specific data categories or highlight important trends. Its distinct color allows for easy differentiation between data sets, enhancing the clarity and impact of charts and graphs. When using Gulf Blue in data visualization, it's important to consider the color palette as a whole and ensure that the chosen colors complement each other effectively. Avoid using too many similar colors, as this can make it difficult to distinguish between different data categories.
Branding for Financial Institutions
Gulf Blue evokes feelings of trust and reliability, which makes it useful in branding materials for financial institutions. The dark blue color can be incorporated into logos, website designs, and marketing collateral to help convey stability and professionalism. When using this color for branding, it's essential to consider the target audience and ensure that the chosen colors align with their values and expectations. Consider what the user associates with the color.