Interactive material with video branching
Engaging remote learners can be a challenge for trainers and facilitators. Hours of training videos punctuated with pings and messages from the always-on digital workplace could make it difficult for anyone to stay focused.
In addition to the constant digital distracting factor at work, establishing a successful training and onboarding plan isn't simple. A recent Gallup survey found just 12 percent of employees believe their organization is doing a good job of integrating new hires.
First, what is the purpose of video branching?
The branching video is one type of interactive video where viewers' participation directly affects the plot of the video.
Branching videos allow viewers the unique opportunity to engage in the content by engaging in the story. You can ask questions to viewers with dedicated decision points. Based on their response or decision, the user is sent to another part or section of video. It is crucial to create a a compelling workflow of potential stories and allow your staff to decide on their preferred learning route.
Two possible scenarios to use video branching
Video branching is a great instrument for creating personalized learning experiences as well as onboarding. Two of the most effective uses scenarios where enablement and training teams can leverage interactive:
Learning paths that are custom-designed for you
The traditional video for learning can lead viewers on an linear path to learning. In the case of a typical employee onboarding course could take new employees through the company's culture, company product or service, various leadership and departments, and the various duties and roles. The content may be shared in a single video or several videos which amount to many hours of information to go through.
With video branching, training and enablement teams can break the video into segments that can be clicked, allowing employees to move into areas of the job that are important to them in a single video.
Scenario-based training
Training on the job is only efficient when workers know the best way to use their knowledge. That's why scenario-based training can be a powerful and engaging way to teach employees.
Video branching offers groups of trainers and facilitators the possibility of creating captivating stories, show various scenarios and dramatic outcomes that employees may face at work.
Here is an example provided by Radisson Hotel Group that shows how video branching is able to provide the ideal scenario-based learning experience for hotel staff.
Creating a simplified branching structure
In determining the branches structure you'll need to create your first interactive video It is best to make it easier for the user experience. As an example, if you had a decision point that had three outcomes, with two decision points, you would already have 27 possible outcomes to account for in the video.
Try the master loop, where one story unfolds. When your learner chooses the wrong option at a decision point, the scenario plays out before they go back to the point of decision to select the other option. Once they choose the correct result, the story goes on. Master loops are excellent for scenario-based training and video questions.
If you are considering other branches for your use Take the time to create a storyboard of the content you wish your viewer to see. It is possible to create flowcharts or decision trees that show your video experience in each stage.
Four things to prepare for a branching video shoot
A successful video branching experience begins by incorporating your video content. Videos that branch combine multiple video clips in order to create an interactive narrative for viewers. Because of this, it is crucial to plan out your shots and editing prior to layering your branching elements.
When planning your next film and script, think about these four suggestions:
- Map out your viewer user journeys before shooting. Use a flow diagram, or other tools such as twine to aid in.
- Shoot all possible outcomes and scenes. Make sure you let the camera roll longer than you normally would.
- Imagine what's happening on screen when a viewer has to make a choice.
- Think about how you would like to move from the decision screen and then to user options. Also think through what that might appear in.
A branching video can be created using
While branching videos require a bit of work upfront in terms of planning, filming, and editing, the final product could quadruple the effort for your viewers. Here's a guideline on how to build out your storyline that branches using .
All of your options should be on one time line
For the first time, you'll need to transfer your video content into a single file. Make sure you make sure that they are edited as one large video file (one right after the other) instead of separating them into separate segments.
Create a decision point
Make hotspots available to your video and make use of the 'jump to time in video' feature to bring your viewers to an exact point in the video or to view the results of a specific option.
Add playback segments
To stop viewers from being able skip around videos and bypass the decision-making points, it is possible to make playback segments. Playback segments let creators split videos in parts so that viewers can only be able to scrub through the segments. This is an important feature for creating video that is branching as it enforces your branching structure and prevents viewers from taking advantage of the structure of branching.
Below is an example an instructional EMS video with playback sections.
Select between a pause, or loop
It's crucial to know the next decision point.
You could, for instance, decide to set a pause point with the use of a timer, which can stop the film from running until a choice has been made.
Consider the possibility of creating a looping segment of content by using your hotspot. It is possible to use an event trigger that allows you to move into a specific time within the video to make a loop.
Before making a choice, consider if your video contains specific information for a decision point (like prompts that tell viewers what's going in the video) and the way you would like viewers to engage with you and make a choice.
Create your shifts
When your viewers make a choice and a decision moment, you'll need to be aware of the transitions that the video makes.
It is possible to create a seamless continuation of the video or you may want to look at different effects that could change the appearance of the mask.