XR innovation makes screening faster and smarter
HASSELT – At the customised employment company BEWEL, part of the screening of new candidates now takes place using a VR headset. A classic sorting exercise with wooden blocks has been converted into a digital application. The project was developed by AlterEyes and University College PXL, with support from the XR innovation fund of the Province of Limburg, managed by POM Limburg. The new approach makes the screening more efficient and provides additional insight into talent and learning ability.
Anyone starting at BEWEL first completes a number of practical tests at the DISKKOtheek training centre in Hasselt. These assess how accurately someone works, how quickly tasks are carried out and what support is needed. One of these tests involved sorting numbered blocks into the correct container. This took place at a table, under the supervision of an employee.
That exercise still exists, but now looks different. Candidates put on a VR headset and carry out the same task in a virtual environment. The system automatically records whether the blocks are placed correctly, how much time someone needs and how their pace evolves during the exercise.
More than a digital copy
The switch to a digital test offers several advantages. Less physical space is required and employees no longer have to check the results manually. Everything is recorded automatically.
“Previously, we had to check everything after each test and set it up again,” says Johan Bongaerts, CEO of BEWEL. “Now we see the results immediately. That makes the process faster and clearer. At the same time, we get a better view of where someone’s strengths lie.”
The digital application also goes beyond a simple right-or-wrong evaluation. Johan Bongaerts: “We can, for example, see how quickly someone learns during the exercise. Does it start off slower and then the pace increases? Or does it remain difficult? When someone makes a mistake, is it after acting quickly or after hesitating for a long time?”
“The test can also include a block that does not belong in any container,” Bongaerts adds. “This shows how someone deals with unexpected situations. Some candidates first group blocks and then work by category, while others place them one by one. These differences provide additional insight into work strategy, learning ability and problem-solving thinking.”
Towards a competency profile
BEWEL notes that the inflow of people with a distance from the labour market continues to grow. Efficient and clear screening is therefore more important than ever. The organisation uses the collected data to build a competency profile for each individual.
Such a profile combines information on pace, accuracy, learning ability and approach. This already helps to match people more effectively with tasks on the work floor. In a next step, this data can also be used to develop targeted training or courses. This allows employees to be deployed more in line with their strengths and gives the organisation greater insight into the available talent.
Technology with an impact on the work floor
The project was realised with support from the XR innovation fund of the Province of Limburg, managed by POM Limburg. This fund helps Limburg SMEs integrate new applications using Extended Reality, or XR, into their operations. A total of 550,000 euros has been allocated for this purpose. AlterEyes received support for developing the application and built the digital exercise. University College PXL developed the user-friendly interface. BEWEL commissioned the assignment and acted as a test case in a real-life environment.
“XR is often associated with training or demonstrations, but its possibilities go much further,” says Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and chairman of POM Limburg. “With this project, we show that technology can improve concrete processes on the work floor while also generating valuable insights.”
In addition, the participating companies exchange their experiences and the results are presented to a broad audience. AlterEyes is meanwhile exploring how the application can also be used in other sectors.
