Asphalt
General Information about #15060D
The hex color #15060D, also known as Asphalt, is a very dark, desaturated shade of red. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.24% red, 2.35% green, and 5.1% blue. This translates to a color that is predominantly red but significantly muted, resulting in a near-black appearance. The low values across all three color channels contribute to its darkness and lack of vibrant hues. Colors with similar composition are often associated with earth tones, providing a sense of grounding and stability. Due to its darkness, it requires careful consideration in design to ensure adequate contrast and readability, particularly when used for text or interactive elements.
The color #15060D, a very dark, desaturated red, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its extremely low luminance. When used as text or interactive elements against a white or light background, the contrast ratio is far below the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) minimum threshold of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, to perceive the content. To improve accessibility, it is essential to use a much lighter foreground color against #15060D, or conversely, use #15060D as a background color with a light foreground. Careful consideration of color combinations and contrast ratios is crucial to ensure that web content is usable by everyone. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #201018
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving contrast.
- #333333
A neutral gray that provides better readability when used as text on a light background.
- #3B3334
Deep Brown: Captures a earthy and rich feeling, still a dark option but with a more accessible contrast depending on the context.
Applications
Web Design, Fashion, and Interior Design
In web design, #15060D can be used sparingly as a background accent for specific sections to create a sense of depth or to highlight certain elements. However, it should be avoided for large blocks of text or interactive components due to accessibility concerns. In fashion, this color can be incorporated into accessories like belts or shoes to add a subtle, sophisticated touch to an outfit. Interior designers might use it as a paint color for a feature wall in a dimly lit room to create a moody and intimate atmosphere. Overall the Asphalt color is not suitable for many usecases and one has to be cautious, especially on the web.
Branding and Photography
In branding, #15060D evokes a sense of stability, resilience, and understated power, making it suitable for companies that want to project an image of reliability and expertise. This color is also suitable in creative fields, especially photography. Here it can be used in the background of studio portraits to create a calm, dark look. But also here one has to make sure to use a lot of light and contrast to make up for the darkness of the color.
Gaming Industry
In gaming, #15060D can be used for UI elements or backgrounds in games that strive for a gritty, realistic aesthetic. It can contribute to a sense of immersion and depth, especially in horror or suspense games where a darker color palette enhances the overall mood. In UI it is important that the font color that is set against this color is bright enough to ensure that users can read it.