Six Sigma for NSF I-Corps
Adam Krafcik, Ashwath Anand Kumar, Jhothshana Ganesh, Tanishq Madhogaria
April 24th, 2025
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Index & Content
Six Sigma for NSF-I Corps
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Introduction
Six Sigma for NSF-I Corps
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We aim to empower innovation at Tufts by breaking barriers to NSF I-Corps engagement- using Lean Six Sigma to turn awareness into action.
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Goal: Increase engagement with NSF I-Corps for Spark and Fusion by addressing awareness gaps.
�Barriers Identified:
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DMAIC Overview
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Phase | Focus |
Define | Awareness gap at Tufts |
Measure | General & Event Survey launch |
Analyze | Root cause analysis via Fishbone |
Improve | Strategic outreach & messaging |
Control | Sustainable tracking system setup |
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1.Define Phase
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Voice of the Customer: “I didn’t know I-Corps existed”
Problem Statement: Tufts users can't engage if they’re unaware.
Charter Metric: Increase Application completion and program awareness
Hypothesis: Departmental outreach increases engagement
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2. Measure Phase- Ready for Launch
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Current Status: Survey + DOE Ready
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Measure Phase Timeline
Phase | Timeframe | Focus |
Measure | Now - Mid May | Launch Surveys, Collect responses |
Analyze | Mid May - Start of June | Perform Pareto + analyze DOE results |
Improve | Start of June - Mid June | Targeted outreach, refine strategy |
Control | Mid June - End of June | Finalize system and improvement |
Design of Experiments
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Factor | Levels |
Delivery Method | Mass Email (+1) Canvas Announcement (-1) |
Message Framing | Opportunity-focused messaging (-1) Mission focused messaging (+1) |
Source Persona | Admin voice (-1) Peer voice (+1) |
Purpose: Test combinations of awareness variables to find what drives the most change.
DOE Output: Quantitative insight into which messaging combinations drive the highest net new awareness and interest among previously unaware audiences. Enables a targeted communication strategy with minimal waste.
Format: 2^3 DOE; 8 combinations of delivery, tone and source
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DPMO Analysis: Awareness Failures
Theoretical DPMO modeling:
Messages sent: 200
Survey Responses: 85
Reported no awareness: 51
DPMO =
(51/200) x 1,000,000
255,000
Roughly 255,000 awareness failures per million messaging opportunities
What we will measure:
DPMO = (Number of Defects / Number of opportunities) x 1,000,000
This metric establishes a baseline failure rate in the ability to generate awareness. After DOE is implemented, DPMO will validate or invalidate message effectiveness
☝️
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3. Analyse Phase
Fish Bone Diagram
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Communication: Lack of centralized or strategic promotion.
Faculty Involvement: Inconsistent messaging or endorsement.
Branding & Messaging: Unclear value proposition to users.
Tech Interface: HubSpot or application complexity.
Cultural Awareness: Students unaware of what “NSF” even means.
Application Clarity: Confusion around steps or requirements.
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Awareness to Engagement Process Map Breakdown
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Step 1: Default State
No prior awareness of Spark/I-Corps/NSF
(Default state of most students/PhD candidates)
Step 2: Message Exposure (DOE)
Received one of 8 message variants
(Controlled by experimental design)
Step 3: Awareness Formation
Process message: forms initial impression
(Measured via survey metrics)
Step 4: Record Response Behavior
Chooses to ignore, explore further, or engage directly
(Early stage metric for engagement intent)
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4. Improvement Phase
Updated Process Map
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Targeted awareness campaign (Canvas, Slack, listservs, flyers)
Clear and audience-specific messaging (UG, Grad, Faculty)
Direct tracked link to updated Spark/I-Corps landing page
Simplified application flow with supporting visuals or examples
Automated email confirmation + next steps guidance
Optional support via ambassador/faculty referral
Post-submission survey or feedback loop triggers VOC tracking
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→
→
→
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Risk Response Matrix
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Risk # | Risk Event (What may go wrong in the process) | Risk Response (What you’ll do before it happens) |
1 | Faculty don’t use outreach templates | Provide pre-filled, ready-to-send versions |
2 | Students ignore announcements on Slack or Canvas | Use QR flyers and peer-led promotion |
3 | Low response to awareness or feedback surveys | Add incentives like gift cards or raffle entries |
4 | HubSpot platform changes disrupt flow | Test monthly and create a backup static landing page |
5 | Confusion around eligibility requirements | Add a clear FAQ section to the landing page |
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Improvement Recommendations for sustenance
5.Control Phase
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Six Sigma for NSF-I Corps
Simplify the HubSpot Application Flow
Redesign landing page with clear steps, icons, and visuals
Add FAQ + eligibility checklist to reduce confusion
Standardize Faculty Outreach
Distribute customizable outreach templates (email, Canvas, announcements)
Run short onboarding sessions with department reps
Diversify Awareness Channels
Use Canvas banners, Slack blasts, QR flyers, and targeted emails
Introduce short peer-recorded intro videos explaining Spark/Fusion
Feedback Integration
Embed post-submission feedback surveys (2-3 questions max);Increase feedback engagement by offering gift cards/raffles
Use this data to fine-tune language, instructions, and graphics
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Thank you
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