Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #0D418B, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.1% red, 25.5% green, and 54.5% blue. This color evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority, making it a popular choice in various design contexts, particularly in branding and web design. Its association with government and official settings lends it a sense of formality and reliability. Congress Blue is often used to convey a message of competence and professionalism, which makes it suitable for institutions and organizations seeking to establish a strong, trustworthy image. This color also falls under the broader category of cool colors, which are known for their calming and soothing effects.
The hex color #0D418B, also known as Congress Blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. Its dark hue results in a low luminance value, which means it requires careful contrast management to ensure readability. When used as a background color, it's crucial to pair it with a light text color, such as white or a very pale yellow, to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Avoid using this color for small text or important icons if sufficient contrast cannot be achieved. Additionally, be mindful of users with visual impairments or color blindness when incorporating this color into a design. Providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or bolding for links, can enhance accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2E5984
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against dark text, making it suitable for backgrounds or elements requiring high readability.
- #1F75FE
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements without sacrificing visual accessibility.
- #4682B4
This alternative color is more neutral. It could be used as an alternative for backgrounds or elements where a more subtle blue tone is needed, providing better versatility in different design contexts.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Congress Blue can be used for website headers and footers to create a professional and trustworthy impression. It evokes a sense of stability and reliability, making it ideal for businesses in finance, law, or government sectors. The color can be paired with neutral tones and clean typography to achieve a sophisticated look. Furthermore, this color is also used for backgrounds for reports or informative dashboards that need to convey authority.
Branding Materials
This color can also be incorporated into branding materials, such as logos and business cards. Its deep hue conveys confidence and professionalism, making it suitable for companies aiming to establish a strong and reputable brand identity. Furthermore, it's used in branding materials to create a sense of trust and competence.
Data Visualizations
Congress Blue works well in data visualizations to represent important data points or trends. Its distinct color allows for easy differentiation between data sets, enhancing the clarity and readability of charts and graphs. This color is a visually appealing color for data visualization, making it ideal for presentations and reports.