The project

​

This simulation was part of an eLearning course on packaging and filling orders for Bee-Och Organics, a small health and beauty CPG company. 

​

• Tools: Articulate Storyline 360, Quicktime Audio

• Learners: New hires at a health and beauty CPG company

​

The problem

​

Employees of the company used the Shopify website to print orders every day. The company owner found teaching new employees how to use the app in person to be time-consuming and inefficient.

​

The solution

​

I designed and developed a short software simulation using screenshots of the app. Unlike a screencast, a more passive instructional tool, I designed this software simulation to actively involve the learner in exploring the app.​

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The process

​

After soliciting step-by-step instructions from the company's owner, I took screenshots of each step in printing an order. I used text, shapes, and arrows to walk the learner through the process.

 

Users advance to the next slide by clicking on relevant hotspots and triggers, creating the impression that they're clicking to the next page on the website.

​

After an initial tutorial, learners practice the same procedures without the instructions, but with optional support (in the form of "I need a hint!" buttons). I also recorded audio to enrich the sensory experience of the learner and created a job aid for employees to reference later if needed.

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

The company owner was thrilled that her new hire could access and print a packing slip the same day she took the course.

​

Here's a video of the tutorial in action: (Note: the animations appear less smooth in the video than in the actual tutorial. You can experience the original simulation here.)

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Takeaways

​

What makes this design so effective is that learners practice first with support, and then on their own with optional support. Learners who need more time to practice have the opportunity to do so, while those who need less support can move through the tutorial quickly. Direct interaction with the course material is also likely to increase retention.