Configuration Selection via User Inputs - Stuck!

Apr 24, 2013

Hello!  I've been a quiet fan of the Storyline forums here for quite some time, and they've helped me through many roadblocks in developing courses.  This is my first time posting to them, and I'll freely admit: I'm stumped and I appreciate any and all input from the fabulous group here!

Okay, so here's the 411: I'm working on developing a course where users need to be able to select their system configuration right up front.  Based on these selections, certain slides will be shown in the training.  I'm not as concerned about the implications on the GUI menu or anything like that.  I'm stuck on connecting the slides themselves to variables, states or some other form of logic within Storyline. (Admission #2: Course logic has a way of giving me wrinkles and graying my hair, and it's contributed to many-a head scratches on my end!)

My first impression: it seems like there's got to be a way to achieve this.  I'm not boxed in to any one solution or another; however, the one and only requirement is that it has to be achieved in the module itself (not using an LCMS or other form of course administration).  Whether that solution involves loads of logic, creative web objects or shuffling around screens and scenes and layers (oh, my!), I'm up for trying it.

I've attached the world's most basic test file, which I threw together a few minutes ago.  In this file, the user would be presented with all possible system components at the very beginning of the course, and they would select 1, 2, 3 or all 4 options depending on their configuration.  The learner would then press "Submit" or a similarly titled button to save their selection before starting the course.  The "full" course will contain all slides, but navigation will be restricted so that they only see the slides pertaining to their (self-inputted) configuration.

Let's say Bob has Nifty System XYZ with components A and C.  When he opens up the training, he would select A and C using either check boxes (or any other input--I'm not picky).  Then, after hitting submit, he would start the actual training, which would show only slides 1001 (Component A) and 1003 (Component C).  Bob would never see slides 1002 (Component B) or slides 1004 (Component D) since they weren't applicable to his configuration.

As I said before, I'm stumped and I would greatly appreciate any input, even a nudge in the right direction.  I'm vetting all resolution methods at this stage, even if they're a bit wacky or convoluted.  (But really, aren't those the best kinds?    )  Thank you in advance, and have a great evening!

6 Replies
Josh Uhlig

Variables and triggers!

I see this being accomplished by adding a trigger at the beginning of each content slide that checks the value of the inputted variables.  So in a sense, a user is actually visiting every slide, but a trigger with a value of "when timeline starts" advances to the next slide if the variables are not what they need to be.

To do this you need:

  1. A true false variable for each component
  2. A trigger on each checkbox that changes the variable to true if checked
  3. A trigger at the beginning of each content slide that jumps to the next slide if the component value is false

I've attached the example with those things added.

Keith Donnelly

Ah, that's another excellent solution, Alex--thank you for your super fast reply!    I was nervous about not being able to accomplish this functionality at all, and now you and Josh have opened my eyes to multiple approaches that achieve the desired outcome.  Thanks a million to both of you E-Learning rockstars!!!  (Now the REALLY hard part is going to be picking which route to ultimately pursue!    )

This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.