Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #0B4290, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.31% red, 25.88% green, and 56.47% blue. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, it consists of 92% cyan, 54% magenta, 0% yellow, and 44% black. The hex code #0B4290 is commonly used in web design and graphic design to specify this particular shade of blue. Congress Blue is often associated with professionalism and is used by brands that want to convey a sense of security and reliability. This color is a popular choice for corporate branding, government websites, and financial institutions, as it inspires confidence and conveys a sense of trustworthiness. Its depth and richness make it versatile for various applications, from backgrounds to text elements.
The color #0B4290, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. 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 (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended to verify compliance. If #0B4290 is used as a background, consider using light text colors like white or very light grays to meet accessibility standards. Alternatively, if it is used as a text color, pair it with a very light background. Failure to meet these contrast ratios can make content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. Also, avoid using color as the sole method to convey information; provide alternative cues such as text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #6c757d
A neutral gray that can be used for text on backgrounds where #0B4290 may not provide sufficient contrast.
- #002651
A dark blue which provides better contrast against lighter backgrounds for better readability.
Applications
Website Navigation Bar
Congress Blue can be used as a primary color for a website's navigation bar, creating a professional and trustworthy impression. This color can be effectively paired with white or light gray for the text and interactive elements, which meets the required accessibility guidelines. Using #0B4290 consistently across the website will reinforce brand recognition and create a cohesive user experience. The color can be integrated in buttons, icons, and other user interface components to maintain a consistent visual theme. Its serious and professional nature also lends itself well to websites for financial institutions and governmental agencies.
Branding for Financial Institutions
This deep blue shade is suited to represent reliability in branding, such as for a bank or a financial advisor. It conveys trust, security, and stability, making it appropriate for logos, marketing materials, and office decor. When used in combination with gold or silver accents, it enhances the feeling of prestige and sophistication. It is used best to inspire confidence in consumers or stakeholders. Ensure sufficient contrast if using the color for text or interactive elements in digital contexts.
Data Visualization
Congress Blue serves as an excellent choice for designing professional and visually appealing data visualizations. Its calming and authoritative presence makes it ideal for charts, graphs, and infographics presenting complex information. The color can be strategically used to highlight important data points, create clear distinctions between datasets, and enhance the overall readability of the visualization. When combined with complementary colors or shades, it adds depth and visual interest to the data representation, making it more engaging and informative for the audience. Ensure that colorblind-friendly palettes are considered for maximum accessibility.