Build 3-Step Scenarios Like a Pro With Storyline 360

Scenarios are a great way to get the learner to think about the content instead of just reading about it. The key to building a great scenario lies in how you approach your content. You should always aim to relate your content back to the real-life situation your learners will be in when they need to apply the information from your course.

In this example scenario, a pharmaceutical company is launching a new product, and the e-learning module is for the company’s sales reps. An important question we should ask is: “Why would the sales reps need to know about the new product?” The answer, which defines our scenario, is: “In order to sell the products to potential customers.”

That’s how easy it is. Once you start to think of your content this way, you’ll see that your scenarios will come to you naturally. Thinking of the real-life situations your learners will be in when they need to know your content is the hardest part. Once you’ve got that nailed down, building your scenario using Storyline 360 is super-duper easy. Here’s a simple three-step process to write relevant scenarios.

1. Introduce Characters

The first step is to insert the characters that will play out the scenario. You can use the photographic or illustrated characters that come with Storyline 360. Try to pick characters that are representative of your audience. 

Once you’ve added in your characters, you should introduce them, including names and job titles. This will make the characters feel authentic, and lets the learner know why they are on the screen.

2. Insert Background Image

Once you’ve got your characters on screen, add a background image to set the context for your scenario. When you’re thinking of background choices, ask yourself, “Where will the learner be when they need to apply the information they’re learning?”

For this example, our sales rep would likely be in an office and the potential customer would probably be in a medical setting. So both our sales rep and the customer would be in their place of work. Simply insert images to create a background.

3. Use Convert to Freeform to Build Your Scenario

Building your scenario boils down to asking a multiple choice question with one correct answer. The difference between a regular multiple choice question and a scenario-based multiple choice question is how you frame the question. A scenario-based question puts the learner into a situation they might encounter in the workplace, and asks them to make a decision based on the information provided.

Asking a scenario-based question ensures your learner is able to do their job and make the right decisions, instead of just testing whether they’ve memorized a few facts.

In this example, shapes are used to present a question and two possible answers. You can use the Convert to Freeform option to turn your slide into a “pick one” quiz slide. 

Pro tip: When you convert a slide to freeform, edit the button states to match the button behaviors for your course. 

One final key piece of your scenario is to provide feedback to your learners. Just as your scenario-based multiple choice question asks learners to make real-life decisions, the feedback should illustrate the actual consequences of their actions. When you use the Convert to Freeform option in Storyline 360, Correct and Incorrect feedback layers are created automatically. You can then customize your characters’ responses, facial features, and other feedback information depending on their answer.

In Sum

Simply follow these three easy steps to create your own scenarios using Storyline 360. Remember, you just need characters to play out your scenario, a background to set the context, and a freeform slide to make an interactive pick-one question. If you have any tips for creating great scenarios, please leave a comment below. We love to hear your ideas and advice!

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