Chapter 2: Designing Branching Scenarios
2.2 Mapping Scenarios: Outcomes, Decision Points, and Consequences
When you are mapping the branching scenario, lay out the options and their consequences, including the full decision chains. Mapping can be done by hand with sticky notes, or digitally using an organized Word document outline or mind-mapping software (like Lucidspark or Mural), or you can go right to using a rapid-prototyping branching scenario software like Twine.
Christy Tucker, branching scenarios expert and learning experience design consultant, suggests the following steps to for mapping a branching scenario:
- Start by laying out the ideal path that learners would progress through when accurately applying course learning (i.e., the path that would lead them to the optimal desired outcome).
- Identify the decision points within the scenario that lead up to that outcome.
- Come up with errors that could be made at each of the decision points
- Map out the branches that would follow from erroneous decisions (i.e., the consequences of making an incorrect choice)
Mapping out the full chain of decisions and consequences is important for practical purposes to ensure that the scenario will work properly and there will not be glitches as learners’ progress through. However, mapping out the full scenario also allows you to explore the following questions and adjust for optimization:
- Is this scenario a relevant example of something learners may be asked to do with their knowledge in the real world? Or, is it an engaging story or metaphor that helps learners practice applying their skills in varied settings?
- Are the decisions the learners are being asked to make directly related to the learning outcomes / competencies that I want demonstrated?
- If there are specific right and wrong decisions based on course content, is it clear, either through prompts or feedback, when learners get the answer wrong?
- Are the decisions learners being asked to make at the right level of difficulty for the course?
2.2.1 Consequences for Wrong Answers
In branching scenarios, not all decisions will be correct — and that’s part of the learning! Designing what happens after a wrong or suboptimal decision is just as important as crafting the ideal path. The type of consequence you choose should align with the learner’s level of expertise, the goals of the scenario, and your desired balance between challenge and support.
Here are three common ways to handle incorrect or poor decisions:
| When should I do this? | Example | |
|
Nudge-to-Correct (Supportive Intervention with a Retry) |
Earlier in the learning process, or for more “beginner-friendly” scenarios. To build learners’ confidence as well as their knowledge and judgement. To help learners connect various aspects of their learning to applied circumstances. |
In a veterinary clinic scenario, if a learner chooses the wrong treatment option based on symptoms, a veterinary technician character might “nudge-to-correct” them to the correct path by stepping in and asking “Are you sure? Maybe you should consider…” before allowing the learner to make the final treatment choice. |
| Natural Consequences
(Realistic, But Not Terminal Outcomes)
|
Appropriate for intermediate or advanced learners.
When simulating the nuanced impact of real-world decisions. When you want learners to see the consequences but still be able to continue forward, encouraging exploration and reflection. |
In a veterinary clinic scenario, the learner overlooks a colleague’s improper handling of an anxious dog during an exam. Later in the scenario, the dog becomes more fearful and difficult to treat. The learner can still work toward the treatment goal, but must now also manage the animal’s increased stress, adding complexity to the situation. |
| Terminal Ending
(Game Over – Start Again) |
Advanced learners expected to be competent and consistent in making the correct choice.
For testing learner knowledge. When stakes are high or consequences are irreversible. |
In a veterinary clinic scenario, if the learner chooses the wrong treatment option based on symptoms, the animal will die. This leads to a “terminal ending” to the scenario, with a chance to re-start from the beginning of the scenario and try again. |
You can also combine these approaches across a single scenario. For instance, you might use nudges early on to guide decision-making, shift to natural consequences as learners progress, and reserve terminal endings for the most critical decisions.
🌐 Web Resource
Explore the following links from Christy Tucker and Experiencing Elearning for more information:
