Branching scenarios are powerful tools for immersive learning. They allow learners to make decisions and see the consequences of their choices—perfect for soft skills, compliance training, customer service, and real-world simulations. But designing and building them in Articulate Storyline can be overwhelming if you don’t plan it right.

So, how exactly do you build a branching scenario in Storyline? Let’s walk through it step by step—based on what seasoned instructional designers are actually doing.

Step 1: Map Your Scenario First—Always

Before you open Storyline, start on paper or with a tool like Twine, Miro, or even PowerPoint. Create a story map or flowchart to visualize how learners will move through the content.

Good branching begins with strong writing: define the context, identify decision points, and script realistic consequences. Each branch should align with the learning objectives, not just add complexity for its own sake.

Pro tip: Limit branches to 2–3 levels deep unless you want to end up with a web of chaos.

Step 2: Choose Your Structure — Slides or Layers?

Storyline gives you two main ways to build branches: individual slides or layers on a single slide.

• Slides offer more flexibility and make it easier to track progress visually in the timeline. This approach is
  cleaner for complex or longer branches.
• Layers are great for short decisions within the same context, allowing you to avoid slide clutter. You can show
  feedback, consequences, or mini-outcomes without jumping between slides.

Experienced designers often combine both: layers for micro-decisions and slides for scene changes or major branches.

Step 3: Use Buttons and Triggers Smartly

Each choice a learner makes needs to be wired with a trigger to go to the next slide or layer. These are typically set on buttons.

Use clear labeling and consistent naming conventions for buttons, layers, and slides. It helps avoid confusion when linking decisions later on.

For example: instead of naming a slide “Slide 2,” rename it to “Manager_Correct_Choice.” You’ll thank yourself when the branching grows.

Step 4: Control Navigation with Variables (Optional but Powerful)

Variables can enhance branching scenarios by tracking choices, scoring responses, or showing personalized feedback based on previous actions.

Let’s say you want to display a summary at the end that reflects the learner’s decisions. You can use True/False variables to track which paths were taken and adjust feedback accordingly.

This is especially useful for converging branches, where multiple paths lead to the same outcome but with different implications.

Step 5: Preview, Test, and Troubleshoot

Even simple branches can behave unexpectedly if triggers or layers aren’t aligned. Use Storyline’s Preview function regularly to test each path.

Some tips:

• Test each decision path manually.
• Use markers or notes to trace paths during development.
• Keep a copy of your flowchart handy while building.

If a layer appears out of sequence or doesn’t close correctly, check for conflicting triggers or missing “hide layer” actions.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Overcomplicate It

Branching scenarios don’t need to be huge to be effective. In fact, shallow, wide branches (lots of decisions with limited depth) often work better than deep, narrow ones, especially for newer learners.

Focus on meaningful decisions—ones where the consequences reinforce the learning. Avoid making learners click through minor choices just for the sake of interactivity.

Recap: Building a Branching Scenario in Storyline

• Plan with a story map: Know your decision points.
• Choose slides or layers: Or combine both strategically.
• Use clean triggers and labels: Keep your build organized.
• Add variables: For smart feedback or tracking.
• Test thoroughly: Walk through each branch yourself.
• Keep it simple: Effective learning > complex branching.

Branching scenarios in Storyline can feel like a puzzle at first, but with a clear plan and smart use of the tool, you’ll build interactive stories that engage, challenge, and teach—without losing your mind in the process.