The world of assessment reporting tends to change slowly. Despite innovations in data visualization and interactive data dashboards, most end-users of talent assessments still consume their data in the PDF and spreadsheet formats that originated decades ago (MS Excel was launched in 1985 and PDF file formats were first introduced in 1993).
In stark contrast, most line managers routinely consume management and business intelligence data using interactive data dashboards and similar digital formats.
As we have argued in previous articles, by incorporating data visualization best practices, modern interactive data handling technology, and user experience research, we can move assessment reporting forward into the future and bring it in-line with contemporary end-user expectations.
As illustrated by the figure below, the ideal assessment report would be the confluence of four elements:
- Data security: One of the key disadvantages and risks in using spreadsheets and PDF formats for reporting assessment data is the lack of security. While such formats can be encrypted, their means of delivery are often not as secure as people believe (i.e. email). Access control and audit logs of usage are also difficult to monitor with such formats, a problem that online data platforms largely overcome by allowing for detailed access and historical data.
- Enablement of actuarial judgment: Good reporting enables better talent decisions by clarifying results, reducing complexity and helping users focus on the most essential and predictive data relevant to their goals. This encourages actuarial rather than clinical judgment in consuming test data, which in turn helps clients in making better talent decisions.
- Data visualization best practices: A growing body of evidence in favor of appropriate data visualization practices argues strongly for assessment data that incorporate such methods. Ignoring data visualization best practices can result in confusing, difficult-to-use, and potentially inaccurate assessment reporting. In addition, best-practice data visualization enables more than just improved clarity – it can generate unique and potentially powerful insights into data that would have been overlooked had traditional methods of reporting been employed.
- Usability: By studying the actual user experience of assessment reporting, we can uncover how end-users consume assessment data, and use such insights to improve the usability of reporting systems. An important consideration in this regard is understanding how assessment end-users consume other types of data in their private and work lives. With the growing ubiquity of personal metrics (e.g. exercise apps) and business intelligence dashboards (e.g. Power BI), expectations of usability and data representation have shifted. IOPs would be well served to align with such expectations when reporting on assessment results.
Fig 1. Future proof reporting as a function of four elements.
Based on the above considerations and insights, TTS has developed a unique and future-forward interactive reporting platform, the Talent Viewer (iTalentViewer).
The Talent Viewer allows for both merit list and individual reporting views, as well as group data analytics of test results.
Let’s take a closer look at some key features of the iTalentViewer that makes it such a revolutionary product.
Key feature #1. Well-designed merit lists that encourage interaction
Unlike static spreadsheets, the Talent Viewer Merit List view allows end-users to sort candidates based on their assessment results, create filters, add meta-data such as notes and tags, and create subgroups for further consideration.
Secured by best-of-breed data protection technology and access control, the Merit List View (as modified by the end-user), can also be shared with other users, thus creating a more collaborative, yet secure experience of consuming test data and making better talent decisions.
Key feature #2. Instant individual reporting
Although the Merit List view is a powerful way of understanding multiple candidates’ assessment results, sometimes we also need to take a deeper look at individual assessment results.
As mentioned before, this need used to be accommodated by outmoded PDF document reports. But with the Talent Match View of our interactive platform, individual interactive reports can be accessed with the click of a button.
And just like the Merit List view, the Talent Match view is fully interactive, allowing for data drill-downs, and includes features that would be impossible to duplicate in PDF flat files, such as definition hover-overs of competencies, as well as quick changes between expert, line-manager and developmental views of individual assessment results.
This represents the next evolution in reporting individual assessment results, incorporating best-practice data visualization, enhanced data security, and user-centric design. In addition, because the Talent Viewer is a digital reporting platform, it can continually be upgraded and improved to make it truly future proof.
Key feature #3. Quick and efficient group analytics
Once assessment end-users have navigated through test results with the Merit List and Talent Match views the Talent Viewer can also be consulted for rapid and efficient group analytics using the Group Analytics functionality.
This click-of-a-button functionality allows professionals and managers alike to gain deeper insight into group demographic data and assessment results. This view allows stakeholders to answer questions regarding overall competency performance, critical group development areas, and strengths.
In as much as a group may behave as a single or united entity, the Group Analytics view can also illuminate possible ways in which a team or group of assessed candidates may function, what their likely behavior may be, and how they compare to benchmarks and expectations within the organization.
Final thoughts
At TTS we are continually improving the experience of our clients by sourcing best-of-breed assessment products, applying IOP expertise and best practices, and incorporating these elements into world-leading technological solutions.
We believe that iTalentViewer, with its various data views, both group and individually-based, is a quantum step forward in bringing online, secure and interactive data visualization to assessment reporting that is best of class and a world first.
In doing so, the Talent Viewer will go a long way toward ensuring that:
- Assessment data is accorded the same status of presentation as business-related data, and is therefore viewed as more relevant and critical to management decision-making,
- Assessment end-users can choose their own path through test data, and thus derive greater benefit from assessment results when making talent decisions,
- Assessment data remains secure and compliant with contemporary data privacy and security legislation.
To see the Talent Viewer in action, why not reach out to us, and one of our TTS expert consultants will arrange a demonstration of this unique platform. Contact us at info@tts-talent.com to schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience!