Timing events with the timeline and/or variables ?
Feb 28, 2018
Dear Heroes,
I am currently working on a project where characters are interviewed. There are 4 characters with 4 audio tracks on the slide. I am using layers to put the audio inside the layer.
The user reaches the layer by dropping an object on the target (the character).
I want the 3 characters that don't talk to be dimmed (black & white) when the 4th one is talking. I have successfully done that with states, but my problem is related to timing :
- If the user waits for the end of the audio track or the timeline within the layer, the color changes work as I wish ;
- However, if the user decides to drop the micro to another character before the end of the timeline, my states (that are timeline-dependent) don't change, and therefore all my colouring is messed up.
So, my questions are :
1st, Would there be a way to "block" my dropped object on its target while the media is playing ? (Would be the easiest for me)
If not, would there be a way to change the states "when the layer changes" instead of "when the timeline ends" ? I tried a bit my way with variables and the "object is dragged over" features, but with no success so far...
My last idea would be to use an object outside of the layer to trigger "something" with ifs and variables, but so far I cannot really put my finger on the "something" that would need to be done.
I am kind of stuck between being time - dependent and dependent of the user's action at the same time.
Would you guys have an idea ?
I am attaching the slide I am struggling with... the audios are in french, but the drop object is obviously the microphone.
(made with SL 3)
6 Replies
Hi Alex,
Have you tried changing the layer settings to prevent the user clicking the base? You would have to make sure that layer closes at the end of the audio so they can continue with the interaction.
Hi Alexandre,
It also doesn't appear that your .story file was attached here. No worries - you can share it by clicking here and inserting them into a new discussion comment. Look for the Add Attachment button. Thanks!
I would put a rectangle over the entire layer, fill it with a color, and set its transparency level to 100%. Use a trigger to set its state to hidden when the audio completes. It will intercept any click as long as it is in normal state.
You may want to adjust it to cover only parts of the layer.
Check it to be sure it works. At one time 360 would allow objects to be dropped on layers with 100% transparency if they covered the drop target. I think that bug was fixed, but if it wasn't, set the transparency to 96%.
Hi all, thank you very much for your quick reply !
James, your input just saves me loads of time, I don't know how I did not realize I could just tick that box, and it does the job perfectly !
Walt, thank you too ! I am not very fond of adding invisible shapes everywhere, but sometimes it really is the best way to deal with a design, and this idea of 96% transparency instead of 100% to avoid the "safeguards" of Storyline is brilliant !
Ashley, you are right I failed to include the file... Thanks for the notice ! Now that my problem has been solved, I don't really see the point... But if I am happy with the result in the end, I will consider putting it as a template for the community.
No problem, glad it worked out for you!
No worries Alexandre, glad you got the help you needed.
Welcome to E-Learning Heroes :)
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