How to Create Branching Scenarios Without Losing Control

In this video, Kimberly Go shares five tips for managing the creation of branching scenarios. She explains how branching scenarios can transform audience engagement and provides insights on avoiding the pitfalls of exponential branching. Kimberly also discusses the use of bottlenecks, optimized branching formats, and the importance of following a structured approach.

Beware of Exponential Branching

• Exponential branching can quickly become complicated and difficult to maintain.

• Traditional time cave branching structures can lead to an overwhelming number of alternate endings.

• Building out numerous paths and endings may not be worth the effort if users are unlikely to explore them all.

Try Using Bottlenecks

• Bottlenecks are events that happen regardless of previous choices made by players.

• Implementing bottlenecks reduces the number of alternate endings and makes branching more manageable.

• Variables or other tracking methods can help keep track of key decisions made by players.

Follow and Optimize Branching Format

• Consider using an optimized branching format instead of reinventing the wheel each time.

• An optimized format solves real business problems, offers perceived branching, and is easy to build, test, and maintain.

• Different organizations may have their own preferred optimized branching formats.

Example: Action Mapping Interactive Video

• Kimberly demonstrates an example using an action mapping interactive video based on Kathy Moore's book "Map It."

• The video aims to teach instructional designers basic action mapping techniques.

• The perceived branching in this example provides just the right amount of interactivity for learners.

Bonus Tip: Flexibility with Feedback Loops

Kimberly shares a bonus tip about incorporating feedback loops into your scenario design. This allows learners to receive immediate feedback based on their choices, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.

Desenvolvendo Cenários Interativos - Developing Interactive Scenarios

In this section, the speaker discusses how to set up slides in Storyline 360 for an interactive video with branching scenarios. They explain the structure of the video and provide tips on creating engaging decision screens.

Setting Up Slides in Storyline 360

• The interactive video starts with an animated video segment where a doctor explains the problem.

• After the video, the viewer comes to a choice screen with three options.

• Making a poor choice leads to a video showing the immediate negative consequences, followed by an option to try again.

• Making the right choice results in a positive outcome and rewards the viewer with a bonus tip.

• The interactive video has 12 alternate endings and one best ending, giving it perceived branching.

Using Variables to Track Decisions

• Variables can be used to keep track of previous decisions made by the player.

• For example, a variable called "day one score" can be created to track correct answers on day one.

• This information can be used to determine if additional activities or different questions are needed based on the player's score.

Consider Using Mastery Loops

• Mastery loops can simplify branching scenarios, especially for simpler business problems or when teaching new procedures.

• In mastery loops, poor decisions lead to negative consequences but allow players to retry until they make the right choice.

• This format guarantees that players will eventually reach the best ending and provides scaffolding for learning.

Crafting Challenging and Meaningful Decision Screens

• Regardless of the branching structure used, decision screens should be challenging and meaningful.

• Feedback provided should fit into the overall story narrative and enhance engagement.

Crafting Powerful Decisions - Creating Effective Decision Screens

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crafting powerful decisions in branching scenarios. They highlight the need for challenging and meaningful decision screens that align with the overall story narrative.

Importance of Crafting Powerful Decisions

• Crafting powerful decisions is crucial for creating engaging branching scenarios.

• Decision screens should be both challenging and meaningful to maintain interest and immersion.

• Feedback provided after each decision should contribute to the overall story narrative.

Conclusion

The transcript discusses how to develop interactive scenarios using Storyline 360, including setting up slides, using variables to track decisions, considering mastery loops, and crafting effective decision screens. The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating engaging and meaningful decision screens in branching scenarios.