Part Three: Designing for Accessibility and Personal Insight
In the realm of recruitment, traditional job applications and interviews often fail to capture the true potential of candidates. Haystack Chronicles stands as a revolutionary solution, designed to allow neurodivergent players to exhibit their strengths and challenges in a supportive environment. Insights from the gameplay can then be matched with recruitment managers looking for the right employees. I’m Michael Rifkin, Chief Product Officer at Haystack, and I’m excited to share more about our mission to transform the hiring process through this innovative game.
At Haystack, our commitment to accessibility in Haystack Chronicles was driven by feedback from neurodivergent individuals. One of the main concerns raised was the issue of sound effects. Many sensory sensitivities revolve around unexpected noises, which can cause significant distress. Our goal was to eliminate these triggers. While we include background noises to enhance immersion, we avoid unexpected noises, alerts, and sounds that might disrupt the player’s experience. Chirping sounds, for example, are often a huge trigger due to their similarity to fire alarms or phone alerts. By allowing players to control the types and volume of sounds, we not only make the game more accessible but also gather valuable data about the player’s preferences and needs.
This customization extends beyond comfort; it provides insight into the player’s ideal work environment. For instance, if a player opts to lower the volume and dim the luminosity, it suggests a preference for a controlled, quiet setting. Such preferences can guide us in matching them with remote jobs or roles where they can manage their environment.
The story elements in Haystack Chronicles also play a crucial role in our assessment. As players solve puzzles, their companion, Kit, unlocks parts of the storyline. These pieces are presented out of order, requiring the player to assemble them correctly to complete the narrative loop. This not only enhances the gaming experience but also provides insight into the player’s reasoning and comprehension skills. How a player organizes and understands the story can reveal a lot about their cognitive processes and ability to synthesize information.
The game is designed to assess every aspect of an individual’s abilities, work habits, and characteristics. Each element, from sound preferences to story comprehension, contributes to a holistic understanding of the player. This comprehensive evaluation is far more telling than traditional interview methods, offering a clearer picture of how an individual will perform in a job.
From a practical standpoint, integrating Haystack Chronicles into the hiring process is straightforward. Employers can provide detailed job descriptions, which we help refine to identify specific traits needed for the role. We then match these traits to players’ demonstrated skills in the game. For larger companies with specialized needs, we offer bespoke models tailored to their internal systems. This ensures that our game meets the needs of a diverse range of organizations.
On a personal note, my involvement in this project stems from my own experiences as a neurodivergent individual. Video games have always been a crucial part of my life, providing a safe space to relax, learn, and overcome challenges. My passion for this project is also fueled by my family’s experiences, particularly my cousin Ellie, who is on the farther end of the autism spectrum. His journey highlighted the importance of early intervention and communication tools, inspiring me to use video games as an educational tool for neurodivergent individuals.
This project is not just about making money; it’s about making a positive impact on the world. Video games can be much more than mindless entertainment—they can be tools for self-improvement and learning. By creating a meaningful gaming experience, we aim to help individuals discover more about themselves and their potential.
Haystack Chronicles has far-reaching implications. It can significantly impact employment for neurodivergent individuals, bringing more people into the workforce and potentially driving economic change. Success in placing neurodivergent individuals in roles where they excel will spread through word of mouth, attracting attention from larger organizations and the broader community.
Ultimately, Haystack Chronicles is more than a game. It’s a bridge between talent and opportunity, designed to reveal true potential and create a fairer, more accurate recruitment process. By focusing on genuine skills and traits, we aim to benefit both individuals and companies, fostering a more inclusive and effective workforce. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and stay tuned for more success stories and developments as we continue to grow and innovate.