Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0B3A8F, is a deep, rich shade of blue. It is often associated with concepts like authority, trust, and stability. In color psychology, blue is known to evoke feelings of calmness and security, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, government institutions, and financial services. The RGB values for Congress Blue are R: 11, G: 58, B: 143, indicating a relatively low presence of red and green, and a high presence of blue. This imbalance towards blue is what gives the color its characteristic deep hue. Because of the low red and green values, it is considered a cool color. In terms of the spectrum, Congress Blue sits towards the shorter wavelength end, close to indigo and violet. The name 'Congress Blue' suggests a connection with governmental or political contexts, further reinforcing its association with authority and trustworthiness.
The color #0B3A8F, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as per WCAG guidelines. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. For users with low vision or color blindness, this contrast becomes even more crucial. Avoid pairing this dark blue with other dark or muted colors, as it will become illegible. Providing alternative styling options or themes can further enhance accessibility for a wider range of users. The perceived brightness of #0B3A8F is low, which is the main reason why light colors must be used in combination with it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Financial Dashboards
Congress Blue can be used to create a sense of trust and reliability. It's ideal for use in financial dashboards to visualize trends and insights, and it helps create an atmosphere of professionalism and informed decision-making. Using a color like congress blue signals stability and security.
Website Headers and Navigation
In website design, Congress Blue is ideal for headers, navigation bars, and buttons, providing a professional and trustworthy feel. Using this color in website design improves the user experience by guiding their eyes to the proper places in the design. It's best to use Congress Blue with lighter colors to create enough contrast, improving the accessibility of the website.
Formal Apparel
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used in apparel for formal settings, such as suits, blazers, or dresses, conveying sophistication and authority. Congress blue as part of an outfit creates an impression of confidence and competence. It is a very versatile color and can be combined with lighter colors, such as white, to create a classic appearance.