Refresh your videos for training by branching them into video

Jan 20, 2023

Engaging students from far-off locations can be a challenge for those working in the field of education and training. The endless amount of videos that are interspersed by pings and notifications on the constant stream of digital communication makes it challenging for anyone to stay engaged.

As well as the constant distractions in the workplace, designing a successful onboarding and training program can be difficult. Recently, Gallup study found that only 12percent of employees believe their organization has a successful time onboarding new employees.

What do you mean by video branching?

Branching video is a type of interactivity video in which participants' actions directly impact what happens to the plot.

The format of branching video allows viewers the ability to participate in the content via interactive storytelling. A viewer is able to ask questions to those who are identified decision points. In response to the choice, the viewer is directed to a different section in the film. The trick is to construct an exciting workflow using possibilities for storylines and let the employees decide their own path to learning.

Two scenarios for branching video

Video branching is powerful tool to create customized learning experiences and onboarding. There are two great use situations where learning and enablement teams can benefit from interactive learning

Learning paths that are custom-designed for you

The traditional video for learning will take viewers along a straight path towards learning. An employee orientation course could take new hires through company culture, company product or service, various departmental and leadership roles, as well as different tasks and duties. It could be presented in one video or a several videos which amount to an hour of material to cover.

By using the use of video branches, instructors and teams that provide training and enablement can break the video into pieces that are clickable, enabling employees to move into specific areas that are most relevant to them all within the same video.

Simulation-based learning

Learning in the workplace is only effective if employees know the best methods to utilize their skills. Thus, training based on scenarios can be an effective and enjoyable method of teaching employees. Video branching gives participants in the training process and enablement the possibility of creating compelling stories that showcase different situations and scenarios employees might encounter at work.

Here's an example provided by Radisson Hotel Group that shows how video branching can provide the ideal scenario-based learning experience for employees in hotels.

Creating a simplified branching structure

In determining the branching structure to create your initial interactive video you should try to streamline the user experience. In this case, for instance for the decision with three possible outcomes with two choices, you'd already be able to include 27 possibilities for in your video.

Instead, try using the master loop, where one story is played out. If your child chooses an incorrect option after they reach a decision-making point then the story plays, and they return to the decision-making point to select a new option. If they choose the right choice, the story will continue. Master loops are great for scenario-based training and video questions.

If you're considering different branches for your use make sure to sketch what you would like your viewers to see. It's possible to design diagrams of flow or decision trees that illustrate your experience on every stage.

There are four things you should consider prior to creating a shooting video that is branching

An effective video branching experience starts with your video material. Video branching blends different clips to create an engaging story for the viewers. It's why it's important to consider your video footage carefully and edit it prior to layering the branches.

If you're planning to shoot and script, consider these rules:

  1. Map out your viewer user journeys before shooting. Use a flow diagram, or other tools such as twine to aid in.
  2. Record all possible outcomes that may occur as well as scenes. Make sure you let the camera run longer than you usually might.
  3. Take a look at what is happening on the screen when the viewer has to decide.
  4. Think about how you would want to change between the choice screen and the user choices. Think about how that might look.

The process of creating a video which branches with

When branching videos take time to prepare by planning and shooting them, or even editing them The results could quadruple the time and effort required to show the viewers. Below is an outline of how you can build the storyline of your branching with .

Combine all of your ideas into one line

At first it is necessary to save your video files into one file. Be sure to modify them all together to create one video file (one one right after another) rather than different segments.

Create a decision point

Make hotspots available to your video. It is possible to use the 'jump to timing in the video' function for your viewer to go to a particular point within the video or see the results of a specific decision.

Add playback segments

In order to stop viewers from being able skim through the videos, or skip decisions, you may make playback segments. Playback segments enable creators to split video into separate segments, so that viewers can only move around within that segment. This feature is crucial for creating videos that feature branching, because it helps enforce the structure of your branches . It also prevents viewers from breaking the branches structure.

Here is an example an educational EMS video with playback sections.

You can choose between a pause and a loop

It is crucial to determine what time frame to make your decision.

It is possible to, for example create a pause using the use of an event timer to stop the film from running until a choice is made.

There is the possibility of creating an animated loop with your hotspot. The best option is to utilize an event trigger that allows the user to change in a particular time during the video to create loops.

In making your decision take into consideration if the film is made with specific material that can be used as a stop-gap (like prompts that tell viewers what's shown on the screen) in addition to what you'd like viewers to react to decide.

Create your Transitions

After your viewer has made the choice and made an argument, you'll want to know what kind of change your video's video has.

It is possible to making an uninterrupted run of the clip or look at different effects that could mask variations in the video.

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