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Background: This is a concept piece based on a training video from Asset Management Specialists (AMS), Incorporated. AMS Inc. is a company that specializes in property preservation, maintenance, and inspection. This interactive video teaches new contractors how to regularly maintain landscaping according to AMS standards.
Executive Summary
Business Problem:
LOW ENGAGEMENT: The original live training video was rather long and was filmed in traditional linear format. As a result, people watched the video as a passive audience and there was no way to track their learning results.
CONTRACTOR MISTAKES: The company wanted to minimize mistakes made by newly hired contractors. The contractors needed to meet specific AMS Inc. standards.
The Solution:
I transformed this traditional video into an interactive video with nine decision points.
Player score can now be tracked and training feedback is provided after each decision. The interactive video was reviewed by a focus group, then distributed via website, email, and social media channels.
Software Platforms: Camtasia and Articulate Storyline 360
Video Development Details
My clients say it’s easy to work with me, because I do all the heavy lifting:
First, I ask some questions to clarify the business problem using a powerful technique called action mapping
Next, I write a script and create a prototype for your approval
Then, I create your video in the style you selected (Animated Vyond, Storyline, Custom Illustrated or Live Video)
But for those of you who are curious, here’s a “behind the scenes” look at how I work my magic.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS:
Because this was a concept piece, subject matter experts were unavailable for interviews. However, the trainer in the video covered all of the main points.
By analyzing the video, I was able to create an action map.
An action map includes the target business goal as well as observable actions that people must take in order for the goal to be achieved.
ACTION MAP
SCRIPT (FOR CLIENT REVIEW AND SIGN-OFF):
Next, I wrote a script that included the setup, inciting incident, nine decisions (based on the action map), feedback, and the ending.
I used storytelling techniques such as the hero’s journey, narrative arc, and empathy to boost audience engagement.
For each decision, I presented two possible choices (good and poor) and their associated consequences. Instead of using alternate endings, I used the “mastery loop” technique, so the player could easily recover from mistakes.
To keep the final video playtime under five minutes, I intentionally used short narrative feedback for poor choices. Feedback for good choices was generally provided by the trainer in the video itself. Additional feedback for poor choices would also be provided by the client.
SCRIPT FOR CLIENT SIGN-OFF
GAMIFICATION AND SCORING
I added gamified elements to boost engagement. The buttons play certain sounds depending on the selected choice. I display a “reward” heart when they answer right the first time. I included a gamified scoring system that displays the number of questions they got right on their first attempt.
In this case, scoring was added for fun and engagement, and player results were not officially tracked. However if desired, we could have tracked their score in an LMS.
FINAL SCORE METER
PROTOTYPE (FOR CLIENT REVIEW AND SIGN-OFF):
Next, I created a prototype to demonstrate the project’s look and feel.
I incorporated AMS, Inc. brand colors into the graphics for consistent messaging. For instance, I used the red logo color for the button on the title page. The blue logo color was a bit too dark for the title font. To improve readability, I matched the font with the blue in the trainer’s shirt instead.
The resulting prototype included screen shots, video clips, and an interactive demo. I also provided sample voice-over narration (although I sometimes hire other professional voice-over artists, in this case, I recorded the narration myself).
AMS INC. COLOR PALETTE (FROM LOGO)
PROTOTYPE - FONT COLOR IS FROM TRAINER’S BLUE SHIRT
PROTOTYPE - SCORING METHOD
FULL DEVELOPMENT, TESTING, AND REVIEW:
Then I developed the full live interactive video using Camtasia and Storyline 360. The final product includes nine decision points and takes about 5 minutes to play. I tested the interactive video thoroughly, sent it to a focus group for review, and incorporated their feedback. When it was ready, the interactive video was distributed via a website, email, and social media channels.
Repurpose Your Live Training Videos
Do You Have a Library of Underutilized Training Videos?
Those videos may be:
Infrequently accessed
Low-engagement (designed for passive viewing)
Difficult to track learning related to videos in your LMS
Re-purpose those videos by making them interactive.
No additional video footage is required.
Wondering if Interactive Video is Right for You?
Click this button to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to find out!