Asphalt
General Information about #0D0B02
The hex color #0D0B02, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown, almost black. It sits at the lower end of the luminance spectrum, making it appear very muted and understated. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.1% red, 4.3% green, and 0.8% blue. This combination results in a color that evokes feelings of earthiness, sophistication, and even a hint of industrialism. Due to its low brightness, it's often perceived as serious and formal. Its muted nature also makes it versatile for use in various design contexts where a subtle, grounding color is needed. Its CMYK values are C:0 M:0.166 Y:0.846 K:0.949, indicating the absence of cyan, a moderate amount of magenta, a high amount of yellow and a high amount of black.
The hex color #0D0B02, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its very low luminance value results in extremely poor contrast against typical light backgrounds like white or light grays. Text rendered in this color on a white background would be virtually unreadable for most users, including those with normal vision. Individuals with low vision or color blindness would find it even more difficult, if not impossible, to discern. Adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is crucial. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. #0D0B02 falls far short of these recommendations when paired with light backgrounds, requiring designers to use it sparingly, if at all, for text or essential user interface elements. If used, a very light foreground color must be implemented. Consideration for users with cognitive disabilities is also important, as low contrast can exacerbate readability issues. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is essential to ensure content is usable by everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #222222
A slightly lighter shade of gray can provide a similar aesthetic while improving readability and contrast.
- #332200
A dark brown offers a warmer tone and better contrast than pure black in some contexts.
- #333300
A dark olive green provides a earthy tone and improved contrast when used with light backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Asphalt (#0D0B02) can be employed sparingly as a background accent color for specific sections or elements where high contrast is not essential, such as decorative dividers or non-interactive graphical elements. Its dark, muted tone can evoke a sense of sophistication or industrial aesthetic when used judiciously. However, it is crucial to avoid using it for text, interactive elements, or important visual cues unless paired with a very light foreground color to ensure accessibility and readability. Furthermore, consider using it in combination with other darker shades to highlight differences.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt (#0D0B02) can be used as a grounding color for walls or furniture in a modern or industrial-themed space. Its dark, near-black hue can create a sense of depth and sophistication, particularly when contrasted with lighter, brighter accents. It can also be effective in creating a moody and intimate atmosphere in bedrooms or home theaters. When using it indoors, ensure that sufficient lighting is provided to prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive. Complementary colors like off-white, beige and gray can be used.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Asphalt (#0D0B02) can serve as a versatile base color for creating edgy or minimalist looks. It can be used for clothing items such as jackets, pants, or dresses, providing a neutral backdrop for bolder accessories or statement pieces. Its dark tone can also be flattering and slimming. It is generally used in combination with gold, silver and brown colors. Ensure that the fabric used is of high quality, since dark colors can reflect the light.