Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#0A1254)
The hex color #0A1254, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. In the RGB color model, it consists of 10 red, 18 green, and 84 blue. This composition results in a color that leans heavily towards the blue end of the spectrum, creating a deep and somewhat mysterious visual effect. Gulf Blue is often associated with feelings of trust, security, and stability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and designs that aim to convey reliability. Its darkness gives it a formal and sophisticated quality, suitable for conveying authority and professionalism. The color's depth also makes it effective for creating contrast and visual interest when paired with lighter colors.
The hex color #0A1254, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark hue. When used as a background color, it necessitates extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, particularly for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Gulf Blue is likely to fall short of these guidelines with many common text colors. Therefore, careful consideration and testing are crucial to avoid excluding users. Designers should utilize contrast checking tools to verify compliance and explore alternative, lighter shades or text colors if necessary. Using this color for decorative elements or larger graphical elements may pose less risk, but its use for functional text requires careful evaluation and mitigation strategies to guarantee accessibility and usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #283593
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving readability and contrast, making it more accessible for a wider range of users, especially those with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
- #1A237E
A color that offers a strong contrast against lighter text, ensuring better readability and adherence to accessibility guidelines, especially WCAG standards for web content.
- #1E88E5
A more vibrant blue with increased luminosity, making it suitable for interactive elements and call-to-action buttons where visibility is crucial, without compromising the overall design aesthetic.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Gulf Blue can be used as a primary brand color to evoke feelings of trust, security, and sophistication. Its deep, rich hue lends itself well to creating a professional and authoritative brand identity, suitable for companies in finance, technology, or consulting. In website design, it can serve as a background for headers or footers, creating a strong visual anchor and establishing a sense of stability. Used sparingly, it can also highlight important calls to action.
Mobile App UI
In mobile app design, Gulf Blue can create a sleek and modern user interface. It can be used as the primary color for navigation bars, status bars, and other UI elements, providing a consistent and visually appealing experience. When paired with lighter accent colors, it can create a sense of depth and hierarchy, guiding users through the app's functionality. Its calming nature also contributes to a more relaxed user experience.
Fashion Design
Gulf Blue can be incorporated into fashion design to create elegant and sophisticated garments. It can be used as the main color for evening gowns, suits, or outerwear, exuding a sense of luxury and refinement. When combined with other complementary colors like gold or silver, it can create a stunning and eye-catching ensemble. Its versatility also allows it to be paired with more casual pieces for a more relaxed, yet stylish look.