F6.0 : aspirant reference guide
A "learn by doing" exploration of “Why people do, what they do”.
1. About First Principle Labs (FPL)
At FPL, we are reimagining the future in a post-AI world by integrating behavioral science, technology, and design. We enable brands, products, and organizations to deliver delightful experiences at the intersection of behavioral sciences, technology and design. In simple words, we study people, their behavior, and how they make decisions, and we use these insights to design experiences.
You may follow us on linkedin here. In case, you are interested to know how it all started and where we are today, check it out here.
2. FPL Fellowship 6.0 (F6.0)
F6.0 is a transformative 6-month experiential learning journey designed to immerse passionate individuals in the world of behavioral design. At its heart, the program is a "learn by doing" exploration of “Why people do, what they do”. The upcoming cohort, F6.0, builds on five successful editions that have enabled associates from diverse backgrounds to apply behavioral science across industries. Click here to apply.
3. Purpose and philosophy
Core purpose: To create the next generation of behavioral designers equipped to shape real-world systems and experiences by deeply understanding human behavior.
Philosophy: Rooted in first principles thinking, the program emphasizes breaking down complex challenges to their core truths.
4. What makes F6.0 unique
Learn by doing: The program emphasizes hands-on experience through practical design, real-world problem-solving, and collaborative projects.
Learning model: Deliberate design - context-based, research-driven, iterative peer-to-peer learning with immersive experimentation. In this custom-designed approach our participants identify obstacles, biases, and behaviors to form hypotheses, generate ideas, develop solutions, and test them in the real world.
Learning ecosystem: Mentorship is central to F6.0. We leverage practices including weekly cohort connects, reading sprints, experiments, guided reflection. We are blessed to have access to senior behavioral designers, alumni mentors, and external experts
4. F6.0 structure
5. F6.0 design
F6.0 is designed for behavioral science enthusiasts eager to explore career possibilities involving human decision-making, experience design, and behavioral sciences. The overarching learning objective is to enable participants to utilize behavioral science theories to design and conduct experiments that explore user habits and behavior. You will gain specific skills in applying behavioral design principles in practical scenarios while collaborating with team members. Key topics covered include:
Behavioral science foundations: human decision-making principles, cognitive biases and heuristics, behavioral economics fundamentals, psychology of user behavior
Design thinking integration: Deliberate design (custom design thinking methodology by FPL), user experience principles, interface design fundamentals, prototyping and testing methods
Research and experimentation: Research methodology (qualitative and quantitative), experimental design principles, hypothesis formation and testing
Practical application: Real-world problem solving, stakeholder management, intervention design and implementation, impact measurement and evaluation
F6.0 is focused on hands-on project work and real-world application of behavioral science. F6.0 associates will work on briefs provided by FPL and committed by their circle, applying learned tools and frameworks to practical scenarios. You may get opportunities to work closely with FPL's customers to craft and apply behavioral insights that address user needs and deliver business-relevant insights through engaging storytelling, presentations, and workshops. Examples of past projects include designing digital products , products in healthcare , event engagement platforms with gamification elements , and organizational culture development. The term 'product' is broad and can refer to anything from a digital product to a program, such as an online dance or yoga class. The focus is on how the problem is defined, the search process conducted, and the final outcome reached.
6. F6.0 assessment framework
Continuous assessment: Weekly submissions and peer evaluations
Progress tracking: Individual scoring system updated weekly
Milestone reviews: Monthly progress reviews
PTP: Pitch the problem
Final evaluation: Comprehensive assessment at Phase 0 and Phase 1 completion
Feedback Mechanisms
Peer feedback: Regular peer evaluation sessions
Mentor feedback: Individual guidance and assessment
Self-assessment: Reflection and self-evaluation exercises
7. F6.0 projects and briefs
Aspirants work on real world briefs or internal research problems
Research work includes ethnographic research, intervention design and prototyping, field testing with real users
Opportunity to propose independent projects (pending team review)
You may want to check out the project briefs from F5.0 here.
8. Application process
Eligibility:
No specific degree required
Must demonstrate curiosity, commitment, and openness to learning
Level 1: Initial Application
Expression of interest through application form
Assessment based on application responses
Initial screening for program fit
Level 2: Collaborative project
Partnered project work with another candidate
Presentation of approach and findings
Assessment of:
Collaboration skills
Ability to understand and apply new concepts
Active listening capabilities
Ability to explain ideas to others
Level 3: Final discussion
One-on-one discussion with program coordinators
Alignment on program expectations
Clarification of questions and concerns
Final selection decision
9. Important dates:
Applications start: July 20, 2025
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Results: August 15, 2025
Kickoff: August 23, 2025
10. Logistics and operations
Program costs
Phase 0: Free for all selected candidates
Phase 1: Honorarium paid to participants who complete Phase 1
Delivery format
Phase 0: Fully online
Phase 1: Online/ Hybrid/ in-person (on need basis)
Schedule
Weekly schedule: Saturday sessions (3 hrs) are mandatory
Time: 15:00IST (tentative)
Others: Self-managed circles meet 2x/week, weekly submissions and peer evaluations
Circle system
Circle structure: Associates work in 3-member circles for collaborative learning
Circle responsibilities: Joint work on activities and learning materials
Meeting flexibility: Circles can schedule additional meetings based on convenience
Communication channels
Communication platform: WhatsApp
Weekly connect: Zoom
Collaboration platform: Miro, Google drive
Attendance requirements
Minimum attendance: 95% attendance required for program completion
Make-up Sessions: None for Saturday connects
Post-fellowship collaboration
Alumni network: Access to ongoing professional network (250+ members)
Collaboration opportunities: Continued work with FPL on projects
Mentorship: Ongoing access to mentors and advisors
F6.0 aims to prepare aspirants for future roles in behavioral science by providing hands-on experience and critical thinking skills. Past participants have gone on to work in diverse roles, across sectors and industries.
Read our FAQ here.