What are branching scenarios, and why use them?

Simply put, branching scenarios are interactive learning experiences that give users a series of decision points, where their choices dictate the outcome of the scenario. They’re commonly used in e-learning, training simulations, and interactive fiction.

With branching scenarios, users can roleplay the effects of making decisions in a safe training space. Branching scenarios create simulation-based learning unique to almost any environment where decision-making or situation-management skills will be required.

Branching scenarios help build the critical thinking skills needed for real-world decision-making. By tailoring the learning journey to each individual, they allow learners to gain practical, relevant knowledge without needing direct on-the-job experience - a huge advantage in high-risk environments.

But the benefits don’t stop at the ‘quiz’ stage. Entire knowledge bases can be organised around branching scenarios to provide crucial information at the right time - think onboarding and ongoing training. It’s a smart way to make learning engaging, relevant, and impactful when it matters most.

There are many use cases for branching scenarios - here are just a few ways you can make them work for you.

From classrooms to lecture halls, branching scenarios are transforming traditional teaching methods, making learning more immersive and personalised. The 'why' of learning matters, and with branching scenarios, it's possible to show students the importance of solving a problem in one particular way, helping to get all students on a level playing field.

Branching scenarios are often used in corporate settings, where they are increasingly employed for skills development, onboarding, and decision-making training. Branching can be used to model a sales scenario or how to engage with an angry customer.

Even in a high-stakes environment, branching scenarios can upskill employees. That's why everyone, from astronauts to surgeons, are getting involved with branching simulation scenarios! The latest models can even use evidence-based guidelines, telehealth, medication information resources, and electronic medical records to help guide decisions.

Branching scenarios encourage learner engagement - but only if the pathway is highly personalised. A simple question, such as, 'If a customer wishes to cancel a contract, what do you do?', could have two incorrect next steps, and one correct one. If the learner picks an incorrect move, they should get feedback on the consequences, and then be offered a brand new question related to this issue. When they get answers right, they should also be able to access relevant supporting material. This is known as ‘divergent branching design', where each stem divides into new pathways and doesn't return - a bit like real life!

This approach is a time investment, but lets you create branching scenarios as part of a learner experience with clear links between steps, meaning crystal clear understanding and no missed information.

If you create or manage documentation, using branching scenarios will allow you to organise your content so users never get lost and can drive those great behaviours through to real-life situations.

Don't forget: you need content that is visually engaging and meaningful. Are your branching scenarios interactive? Are they adaptive or do they feel static? The right scenario-based e-learning design should closely mimic reality. Don't scrimp on this stage!

There are many successful implementations of branching scenarios. A chronic illness branching simulation has been shown to provide “an excellent opportunity to train students… that supports rapid, real-time decision-making in emergency situations that will positively influence patient outcomes”.

NASA uses branching simulation and states that it offers several benefits "particularly the introduction of feedback and reinforcement... individualised instruction, potentially saving time, money, and effort among the higher ability trainees".

Virtual reality integration, artificial intelligence enhancements, and adaptive learning technologies will all play a significant part in the development of what branching scenarios look like in the near future, but you don't have to be a national space agency to get involved. Branching can get any student or team member ready for what's ahead.

Whether you're off to space or have more modest goals, you should definitely expect increased learner retention, as well as boosted overall engagement with your programme compared to more static approaches to learning.

After a few rounds of branching scenarios, users should show improved decision-making skills and should have a good basic understanding of the material that has been provided. The results should be evident, and exciting!

Want to get started with some branching scenarios in Confluence? Now you can. Guided Pathways makes it easy to build effortless user journeys with consistency across all pages, promoting usability and removing friction. Guided Pathways lets you create, structure, and organise content in one place.

Guided Pathways is the perfect tool for creating a variety of guides, journeys, and multi-step procedures, including: