May 2020

Cleaning Up Your Articulate Storyline Project

With summer and its rising temperatures approaching, one thing is certain in our home- the dogs will shed more than usual, discarding their winter coats. This means I spend a bit more time sweeping and cleaning than usual. (Based on the amount of dog fur I toss into the yard, birds that nest in our neighborhood must have well lined nests.)

Just as I like my home being neat and clean, I like for my Articulate Projects to be neat and clean as well. Both make me feel more at ease and make it easier for me to relax.

Here are a few simple tips to keep your Articulate projects tidy:

If you have any unassigned triggers, either update that logic or remove the unnecessary trigger.

You’ll want to remove any unassigned triggers, variables, and states to prevent issues when your file is published. Here I removed an object, which makes the previous motion path moot.

Also, check for any zero use variables. If the variable should be used, make the necessary update. If the variable is not needed it can be removed.
Remove any unnecessary state on a slide object.
If an unnecessary object on the slide is hidden on the timeline, remove it.

If there is an unnecessary object on your timeline that you have hidden, it is best to remove/delete the object entirely.

Cleaning up these items not only keeps your project neat; making it habit to look for these items gives you a chance to check your work- always a good thing! Equally important, removing the unused triggers, variables, states, and objects can prevent issues when you go to publish your file.

Do you have a trick or tip to help keep your Storyline files (or other training projects) clean? Be sure to share that in the comments area!

The Highlight Reel

When you’re an Instructional Designer or Trainer and in the job market, employers and recruiters often ask to see a sample of your work. It is also a common topic when simply discussing design ideas with colleagues.

Instead of directing anyone to multiple blog posts, I thought I’d link to some of my favorite prior posts in one spot. It will make it easier for me to share my work samples and will (hopefully) make it easier for potential employers to see what I can do!

FAQ Scroll Panel This example includes multiple buttons in a scrolling panel to address frequently asked questions.

Invitation Previously an email and text based message, a simple slide show creates an engaging invitation to attend instructor led training.

Select Avatar Wouldn’t it be neat if your learner/user could select an avatar to represent himself/herself/themself during the training lesson? This example includes two slides to do that, but the variable and logic used could be repeated, continued throughout a course.

Video Background Why limit your slide background to just an image? This example travel policy uses a video background.

Policy Scroll Panel It can be difficult to present text heavy information in an engaging format. Use a scrolling panel to collect learners’ policy acknowledgement so your training can focus on the behavior or action needed for policy compliance.

Problem Solving All twenty-seven squares in the problem solving grid have states, triggers, and logic to help the learner practice problem solving skills while planning a birthday party.

Show me, don’t tell me

There have been a few highlights of quarantine and social distancing, one being frequent walks through our neighborhood. During my treks, I like to listen to a podcast. I have recently spent time catching up with Marty Smith’s America, and the episode I listened to this morning offered commentary ranking the greatest songs by county music legend George Strait. As the discussion progressed Marty referenced his experiences writing and editing a book and offered a gem of wisdom for those of us in creative professions or roles. Show me, don’t tell me.

My publisher continually beat on me: “show me, don’t tell me.” Put me there, immerse me in the details you are offering me. Show me, don’t tell me.”
Marty Smith (Marty Smith’s America “King of Country”, 24:44)

You may wonder, “what does Marty’s experience as a sports reporter have to do with my work designing and developing training?”

I’ll use a common training topic as an example. As a portion of OSHA compliance, many workplaces offer training on ergonomics. You could simply tell your staff their computer stations and workspaces should be adjusted to prevent injury. Unfortunately, this message is vague and meaningless without more detail, especially if your audience has never heard about ergonomics before. It will be more effective to show them what this work station looks like:

In an instructor-led environment, let each person practice the new skill as the presenter or subject matter expert provides guidance and feedback.

With the study of ergonomics, each person could adjust a computer, desk, and chair in a workspace to make it suitable for him or her. (Remember, when you’re studying ergonomics what each person needs may vary.)
In printed communication, consider a detailed and well-designed infographic. Be sure to check any sites relating to compliance for ideas on print and visual resources (just be sure to cite your source).

With this specific subject, I would check the OSHA site and would also consult my organizations Workers’ Compensation or Risk Management staff. You could also reference professional organizations such as the American Chiropractic Association or American Orthopedic Association.
In computer based training, you could design an interactive image, where a user needs to click on each area of the screen to learn more.

The OSHA website has a great example on ergonomic computer work stations here (look for the image of a young woman, with her hair styled to a ponytail, located on the right side of the screen). A similar interaction could be easily produced using Articulate Storyline, or almost any other training software. I would take this a step farther by also including another image, quiz slide, or other interaction where the learner would have to identify areas of a workstation set up inappropriately that may need to be re-adjusted (ie- the user identifies what is wrong with the picture).

It is a fine line when you’re creating training- how do you provide enough information without burdening the learner? The detail and information you provide can take your topic or idea from directive to true training and instruction. You can start by simply remembering Marty’s publisher’s five word statement- show me, don’t tell me