Refresh your videos for training by branching them into video

Jan 20, 2023

The ability to engage learners from remote locations is a significant issue for those working in the field of training and support. A long amount of instructional videos interspersed by pings, messages, and other messages coming from an constantly-on digital workspace can make it hard to hold their interest.

In addition to the constant digital interruptions at work creating the ideal training and onboarding plan isn't an easy task. A recent Gallup study found that just 12% of employees believe their organization has a successful time onboarding new hires.

In the beginning we must ask ourselves what's the point of video branching?

A branching video is a kind of video that is interactive and where the viewers' involvement directly affects the storyline of the video.

The video's branching format offers viewers the chance to become active by taking part in the story. The viewer can pose questions to the viewers by with a list of choice points. When the answer is received viewers will then be directed into the next section of video. It is important to create a the most compelling sequence of possible narratives and let your employees decide on their preferred learning route.

Two possible scenarios to use video branching

Video branching could be an effective tool to create customized learning experiences and onboarding. There are two great use scenarios where enablement and learning teams might benefit from an interactive approach:

Learn paths specifically designed just for you

The standard video used for education could take learners through an linear path to learning. In the case of a typical employee onboarding course could take new hires through the culture of the organization, company product or services, the various leadership and departments, and various tasks and duties. Content could be distributed in a single clip, or a sequence of videos. This is numerous hours of material to be able to read through.

By using video branching, trainers and teams responsible for enabling and training are able to divide content into sections that can be activated, which will allow trainees to be introduced to areas of the job that pertain to their requirements within a single video.

Training based on situations

Training on the job is only effective when employees understand how to apply their knowledge. Training using situations can be a successful and entertaining method to train employees. Video branching offers teams of facilitators and trainers an opportunity to develop captivating stories, presenting a variety of situations and scenarios employees could encounter during their work.

This is an example offered by Radisson Hotel Group that shows how video branching can be used to provide the ideal educational experience in a scenario for employees in hotels.

Making a simpler branching structure

When mapping out the structure of your branching structure for the first video you've made, attempt to improve your user's experience. As an example, if you made an option with three possible options, following two other choices, you'd already have 27 different possibilities for the video to include.

You can also try master loops, wherein a single story plays out. When a student picks a wrong outcome when they reach a decision-making point and the scenario plays out until they return to the decision point in order to pick an alternative outcome. Once they choose the correct result, the story goes for a while. Master loops work well for teaching and testing using video.

Find other possible scenarios to consider to branch, take the time to develop a storyboard for what you want viewers to view. Make flowcharts and decision trees that illustrate how watching videos can be enjoyable throughout the entire process.

Four ways to prepare for shooting an elongated video

The procedure of creating a successful video branching experience begins with the video content you have. Videos that branch combine many video clips to tell a experience for the viewers. This is why it's important to carefully plan out your shots and editing before adding branches to your video.

If you are planning to shoot your next film or script, have the time to look over these suggestions for shooting:

  1. Map out your viewer user journeys before shooting. It is possible to use the flow diagram, or even tools such as twine to aid.
  2. Photograph all outcomes that could happen and take pictures. You should let the camera roll for longer than usually will.
  3. Imagine what's going on in the screen while a user is forced to choose.
  4. Consider what you'll do when you switch off to the display of choice and move on to options for the user. Consider what that switch could look.

A video that is branching can be created with the help of

When branching videos take time to develop, starting when planning, filming, and editing. The end result can quadruple your efforts to your viewers. Here, we'll outline the best ways to develop your branching storyline by using .

Include all of your ideas on one calendar

If this is your first time, you'll be required to save your video files in a single file. Be sure to make sure that the edited files are one video file (one immediately after the other) instead of separating them into separate segments.

Create a decision point

Add hotspots to your video, and then use the 'jump into time function to guide viewers to a specific point in the video or to see the outcomes of a particular option.

Add playback segments

To stop the viewers from moving across the screen and avoid the decision-making points you can create playback segments. Playback segments enable creators to split videos into sections to ensure that viewers will only move through the sections. This is an essential feature for creating video that is branching since it enforces your branching structure and prevents viewers from evading the branching pattern.

Below is an example instructional EMS video that includes playback segments.

There is a choice between a pause and loop

It's crucial to know what the next step to take.

In this case, for instance one possibility is to set an pause with the help of a timer. This could stop the video being played until the decision been made.

Think about the possibility of making an animated segment from your content by using your hotspot. Make use of the timer function to enter a particular time within the video to make loops.

In making your decision consider whether the film has been shot with specific content as a decision-making point (like instructions that inform viewers what's on screen) as well as the manner in which you want the viewers to respond to make an informed decision.

Create your Transitions

When your viewers make an option and decides on the right option, you'll need to be aware of the transition that the video makes.

There is a possibility of making continuous footage from your video, or to explore various effects that can mask variations in the footage.

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