Smalt
General Information about #0A378E (Smalt)
The hex color #0A378E, also known as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.92% red, 21.57% green, and 55.69% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 92.96% cyan, 61.29% magenta, 0% yellow, and 44.31% black. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and trust. It is often associated with themes of knowledge, power, and professionalism. Smalt has historical significance as a pigment derived from ground glass containing cobalt, used in paintings and ceramics. Today, it remains a popular choice in digital design for its ability to convey a sense of sophistication and reliability.
The color #0A378E, a deep smalt, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its low lightness value can result in insufficient contrast against light backgrounds, making text difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to pair this color with a very light color for text or user interface elements. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Additionally, consider providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or text labels, to convey information, as relying solely on color can exclude users with color blindness. When using this color for links, ensure they are clearly distinguishable from surrounding text, even without color perception. Proper ARIA attributes should also be incorporated to enhance the screen reader experience.
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Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #0A378E can be used for primary buttons or navigation elements to create a sense of trust and reliability. Its depth makes it suitable for backgrounds in dark mode interfaces, providing a visually comfortable experience for users. When using this color in UI, make sure to test with users to get feedback about its impact.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, #0A378E can represent a specific category or data set, particularly when dealing with themes of security, technology, or the ocean. The deep hue makes it stand out when used alongside lighter colors, ensuring clarity in charts and graphs. It could, for example, represent the depth of the ocean.
Branding
In branding, #0A378E conveys sophistication and stability, making it suitable for companies in finance, technology, or education. It can be used in logos, websites, and marketing materials to establish a strong and professional identity. In branding, it is important to know your audience to make sure the color gives the correct message.