Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #084093, is a deep, rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It is often associated with governmental bodies, financial institutions, and academic organizations. This color falls within the blue color family, exhibiting characteristics of both a dark and saturated hue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 25.1% green, and 57.65% blue. The CMYK color model represents it as 91% cyan, 56% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. Due to its dark nature, Congress Blue can add a sense of seriousness and elegance to various design projects. This color is best used when paired with lighter colors to provide sufficient contrast and readability.
The hex color #084093, a deep shade of blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to pair it with light text colors like white or very light grays to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Failure to meet these contrast ratios can make content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be used to verify adequate contrast. Also, avoid using this color for essential UI elements (buttons, links) without careful consideration of the surrounding colors and interactive states (hover, focus) to ensure usability for all users, including those with color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5cb8
A lighter, more accessible blue that still retains some of the depth of Congress Blue.
- #333333
A dark gray that can provide a similar level of sophistication and depth as Congress Blue but with better contrast options when paired with lighter text.
- #3a75c4
A lighter tint of blue that offers improved readability and contrast when used as a background color or in UI elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, this color can be used for headers, navigation bars, or as a subtle background element to evoke trust and professionalism. However, it's crucial to pair it with light text colors to ensure readability. The deep blue shade can also be effective in data visualizations to represent important data points, creating a clear visual hierarchy and improving the overall user experience. Consider using this color sparingly to highlight key information and avoid overwhelming the user with too much blue.
Marketing Materials
This color can be used in creating elegant and professional looking brochures and reports. Because of its dark hue, you will have to use a font color which provides enough contrast for readability. In marketing, use this color to evoke a sense of trust and stability in the brand. Use it in logos and branding materials, ensuring consistent application across all marketing channels to reinforce brand recognition and trust.
Presentations
Congress Blue can be an excellent choice for creating elegant and sophisticated presentations. Use it in backgrounds, charts, and graphs to convey professionalism and trust. Pair it with lighter colors like white, light gray, or a pale yellow to ensure readability and create visual interest. Avoid using too much of the dark blue to prevent the presentation from appearing too heavy or overwhelming.