Black Russian
General Information
The hex color #0A0318, also known as Black Russian, is a very dark, almost black, shade of purple. It belongs to the family of near-black colors, characterized by its low luminance and subtle purple undertones. In the RGB color model, it consists of 3.92% red, 1.18% green, and 9.41% blue. Its primary use is typically as a background color or in situations where a very dark, muted color is required. Due to its darkness, it's crucial to consider contrast ratios when using this color for text or user interface elements to ensure accessibility. The color is used in a wide range of contexts, from digital design to fashion. In design, it is best to use it sparingly and in combination with lighter colors.
The hex color #0A0318, a very dark shade, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to provide sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG guidelines. For text to be legible, a very light color, close to white, would be needed as the foreground. However, even with a near-white foreground, careful testing is essential to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. When using this color, it's crucial to provide alternative styling options or ensure that the contrast ratio meets the minimum requirements for accessibility standards. Utilizing tools that check color contrast ratios is highly recommended during the design and development process. Consider incorporating user-adjustable color schemes to enhance accessibility further. Non-text elements, such as icons and graphical elements, need similar contrast considerations to ensure they are distinguishable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #110822
A slightly lighter shade of black can offer better contrast while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
- #140729
A dark purple can provide a similar mood but with a bit more visual interest and potentially better contrast depending on the foreground color.
- #222222
A dark grayish color gives a similar feel but slightly better contrast for UI elements.
Applications
Gaming Backgrounds
This dark color is ideal as a background for immersive gaming experiences, especially in genres like horror or sci-fi. It enhances the sense of depth and mystery, drawing players further into the game world. The deep, near-black tone minimizes distractions, focusing the player's attention on the central elements of the game. UI elements can then be designed with brighter, contrasting colors to ensure visibility and usability. The darkness contributes to a more intense and captivating visual experience, particularly during nighttime or indoor scenes within the game.
Modern Website Design
In web design, #0A0318 can serve as a sophisticated background for websites aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic. It pairs well with bright, contrasting text and UI elements. For example, using this color for a portfolio website for a photographer can help to make the pictures stand out and give the web application a clean design. The use of this color is trending nowadays.
Fashion Design
In fashion, #0A0318 could be utilized as the primary color for a dress for a formal event. A sleek, elegant outfit with minimal accessories can complement this shade. The dress could be contrasted with jewelry or shoes that incorporate metallic colors.