Purple Orange Life is our New Name
Purple Orange Life, is an education-based non-profit integrating research, design, creativity, reflection and action
Enhance your Life with Structured Organization
Idealized design answers the question, “Ideally, what would we like the program to be?”
Hands-on research builds skills by turning knowledge into real solutions, fostering personal growth and benefiting the community.
Our Story
Purple Orange Life (POL) began with a simple question: How can learning help people see their everyday lives, work, and possibilities differently? Our story began with an applied research methods course led by Steve, where doctoral candidates explored how research could move beyond academic theory and become a practical tool for solving real-world challenges. The experience revealed an important opportunity: when people are given the right tools to pause, question, and explore, learning can become a catalyst for meaningful change.
Darshi Mody brought her experience in design, resource management, and applied research to reimagine the approach. Together, they developed learning experiences that connected research, creativity, and practical application. Insights from classrooms, participants, and real-world experiences shaped what would become POL's distinctive approach to education.
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This journey led to the development of Design Routine and Artistic Connections—programs designed to help people step outside familiar routines, look at possibilities differently, build meaningful connections, and intentionally apply what they learn.
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Today, POL is a not-for-profit education organization focused on making learning more purposeful, accessible, and connected to everyday life. We believe education is not only about acquiring knowledge. It is about learning to see, question, create, connect, and act with intention.
Our work continues to evolve through applied research, systems thinking, creativity, and the experiences of the communities we serve.
Because sometimes meaningful change begins with simply looking at something differently.
Odell, NY (USA)
Thank you for designing a smart tax organizer that utilizes applied research methods. This user-oriented tool significantly simplified the tax preparation process. By engaging with clients through friendly interviews, we gained valuable insights into their challenges and designed an organizer tailored to their needs. Many clients were dissatisfied with filling out the paper organizers provided by the tax program.
The final product is intuitive, guiding users step-by-step and simplifying complex information, making it accessible even for those with minimal financial knowledge.Clients have given positive feedback, appreciating the clarity and organization of their financial data. This not only saves them time but also reduces stress during tax season.
Pradeep Vekria, Gujurat (India)
As the principal of an elementary school in a remote village in India, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of applied research methods on our arts and crafts workshops. These methods allow us to design engaging activities that not only stimulate creativity but also meet the diverse needs of our students.
By implementing evidence-based strategies, we have successfully created an environment rich in collaboration and innovation. Our students are now more confident in expressing their ideas and exploring a variety of materials. I firmly believe in the power of applied research to enhance our curriculum and empower both educators and students.
Sara Vogel, NY (USA)
I have lived in my apartment in New York for many years, and I am grateful for my journey through applied research methods. As an elderly lady, I’ve learned that good habits and routines can greatly enhance one's quality of life. I started exploring these methods to stay organized and engaged in joyful activities.
By establishing a daily routine that included organizing my documents, discarding items I haven’t used in decades, and using desktop for daily work instead of my laptop, I’ve made positive changes in my life. I encourage others, especially my peers, to consider how small, thoughtful changes can lead to meaningful improvements.