How can technology address the digital skills gap among unemployed individuals? In Helsinki, Stereoscape Oy tackled this challenge by using an interactive, gamified survey tool to assess and enhance digital competencies, offering tailored training based on individual skill levels. This initiative, part of the CommuniCity Second Round of Open Calls, aimed to empower marginalized groups.
Developed in collaboration with local and international partners, the platform offered personalized assessments and was adapted for use in Porto (Portugal) and Tallinn (Estonia). The process included nine workshops and three user testing sessions, with continuous refinements based on feedback.
Key Features:
- Gamified Surveys: Personalized digital skills assessments through branched scenarios.
- Cross-border Collaboration: Adapted for diverse audiences in Helsinki, Porto, and Tallinn.
Co-Creation Process
Collaboration was central to the pilot, with input from unemployed individuals and digital trainers guiding each step. Nine workshops in Helsinki focused on platform selection, survey design, and tool testing. User testing with three groups provided valuable insights for ongoing improvements. The solution was developed in collaboration with partners in Porto and Tallinn, using tools like Mural and bi-weekly meetings to align goals and address local needs. This co-creation approach ensured the final product addressed real-world challenges, fostering ownership among participants.
Results:
- Developed a tool to assess digital skills and guide individuals toward appropriate courses.
- Identified varied skill levels, enabling tailored interventions.
- Increased engagement and provided valuable insights for trainers.
Future Steps:
- Expanding and refining the platform with partners.
- Creating instructional resources and a methodological manual to support global adoption.
This cross-border pilot in Helsinki showcases how co-creation and technology can address digital skill gaps, fostering inclusion in a technology-driven society. As the Second Round pilots reveal their results and impact across European cities, the Third Open Call pilots are now launching, running until May 2025 across 15 cities and nine countries.