Design is often linked to limitless creativity, attention to detail, and the skill to transform ideas into impactful visuals. However, what occurs when one of the most essential elements of design–color–becomes a challenge? For many, the inability to differentiate colors may be a significant obstacle in a visually oriented field. Yet, for those with resilience and the right mindset, such challenges can lead to innovation and offer a new perspective.
Sanumol NP is one such designer who faced this challenge head-on. Her journey demonstrates that no limitation is too substantial to overcome when combined with determination, skill development, and a willingness to adapt. What could have been an obstacle instead became the basis for her unique design approach, grounded in empathy and accessibility.
Here’s how Sanumol turned her challenges into strengths and redefined her path as a UX designer.
The first realization: How color perception affected my professional life
Sanumol NP first discovered her color vision deficiency during her school years. It was a minor inconvenience at the time, which hardly disrupted her life. However, everything changed when she started her career as a video editor at Amazon.
Tasks that required precise color differentiation became hurdles. Simple adjustments often resulted in errors. The frustration grew as these mistakes, invisible to her but glaringly apparent to others, started to affect her confidence. “I had to reconsider my path,” she shares. It was a moment of clarity that marked the beginning of her transformation.
“I chose to focus on my strengths, not my limitations”
Switching careers is always challenging, mainly when driven by necessity rather than choice. For Sanumol, UX design offered a path forward–a chance to channel her creativity and problem-solving skills in a field that didn’t depend solely on color judgment.
She started small, enrolling in a UI UX Design Course that helped her understand the basics of UX. Later, she pursued Great Learning’s Post Graduate Program in User Experience Design, which equipped her with the technical skills and industry insights she needed.
Sanumol quickly discovered that by leveraging tools like color codes and focusing on accessibility, she could thrive without relying heavily on her color perception. “Upskilling opened doors I hadn’t even considered,” she explains.
“My challenges became my superpowers”
Far from holding her back, Sanumol’s unique challenges reshaped her approach to design. She developed an acute attention to detail and honed her problem-solving skills, which became her most significant asset.
“My difficulty with colors made me more empathetic as a designer,” she says. This empathy extended not only to users but also to herself. It inspired her to create designs prioritizing accessibility, ensuring that others with different abilities could navigate her work effortlessly.
Her determination paid off as she secured roles at companies like IVY Comptech, where her innovative approach to UX design stood out.
Advice for aspiring designers: Focus on your strengths
Sanumol’s story is a powerful reminder that limitations don’t define your future. She advises others facing similar challenges to focus on their strengths and look for career paths that allow them to leverage their unique abilities. Whether seeking support, learning new skills, or finding creative solutions, upskilling and perseverance can open up new opportunities. Sanumol’s journey proves that you can create a fulfilling career with the right mindset and support despite the hurdles you may face.
Sanumol’s inspiring journey has also been featured in The Times of India. Read the full online story here.
