An interactive guide is an e-learning format and method used to engage users step-by-step in their handling of digital tools. With a digital adoption platform, this integrated functionality becomes an overlay on any web-based software or application. It guides users to perform actions or obtain information. The interactive element facilitates engagement through each step of a guide.
How it works ?
Interactive guides are accessible through the resource library and can be integrated into any SaaS application including CRM, HRIS, ERP or in-house software. The guides are deployed securely via an extension or a simple line of JavaScript code.
End-user resources and editor capabilities are housed on two separate platforms. Within the editor, users can create, customize and deploy interactive guides.
How to create an effective interactive guide
Effective interactive guides are launched to the right people, in the right place at the right time. Guides can be launched on demand by users within the resource library or placed strategically by the editor anywhere in the tool’s interface.
Why invest in a tool to improve digital adoption if it is not based on user needs?
Take the following two factors into consideration when creating interactive guides:
Observe recurring user support requests to identify priority, in-demand guides required by users. Addressing support requests via interactive guides, reduces errors, support requests and support costs, improving business processes that end-users have the most difficulty with (misuse, data entry errors, etc.).
- User profile and user needs
Identify user profiles to create tailored and personalized content, providing them with relevant information. Different users and user profiles require specific information depending on their business function, department, country, language, etc.
What is the difference between an interactive guide and traditional training?
In contrast to traditional training methods, interactive guides allow you to guide a user directly inside their tools with complete autonomy.
Traditional training includes face-to-face or in-classroom learning that is usually conducted with static and uncollaborative materials (PDFs, videos, LMS, user manuals, etc.). In the context of digital training, interactive guides are far more effective than traditional training methods because they facilitate user engagement, step-by-step.
Interactive guides and Learning by doing
Interactive guides are based on the Learning by doing methodology.
An interactive guide accompanies users within software, where traditional training methods provide a limited and theoretical understanding.
Let’s take a driver’s license for example. The learner acquires theoretical knowledge thanks to the highway code, and acquires practical hands-on knowledge when driving accompanied. Together they combine theory and practice, ensuring a higher rate of success.
What are the benefits?
An interactive guide has several advantages, both for the user and for the company. The following 4 examples display the main added value of an interactive guide:
- Facilitate autonomy for users in the long term (Learning by doing)
- Reduce support requests
- Simple and intuitive
- Available on-demand 24/7
Interactive guides facilitate better use of digital tools and help drive long-lasting digital adoption within an organization.
Lemon Learning use case
How does the user trigger an interactive guide?
There are several ways to trigger an interactive guide and obtain information. Here are three ways to launch a guide:
- 24-Hour Resource Library
All interactive guides are accessible on-demand within the resource library. The user is free to launch or access the guides they need through a drop-down menu.
Editors can place the Tooltip icon anywhere in the platform’s interface to highlight a feature, or clarification. A Tooltip is launched automatically, requiring no action from the user, usually on a feature with recurring user support issues.
- Smart Launcher or Quick Widget
Interactive guides display in accordance to specific user actions with Smart Launchers and Quick Widgets.
Editors can easily deploy and adapt guides when and where they are needed according to user performance. Each trigger is designed to accompany users through their learning journey.
How does the interactive guide accompany users?
Once an interactive guide has been launched, users are walked through a series of action activated, micro learning objectives until they reach completion. Each guide is a sequence of multiple actions. The following examples display typical actions a guide can facilitate:
- Click
- Trigger a change of page
- Hover over an element
- Place the cursor on an element.
Using the interactive guide and its micro learning objectives, the user is able to autonomously obtain information and complete tasks. Once launched, a guide can be activated repeatedly, at anytime, to accompany users through their tasks (thanks to the Learning by doing methodology).
Here are some examples of Lemon Learning’s interactive guides:
- On Salesforce: “Create a new lead“
- On Workday: “Update Payment Options“
- On Oracle: “Create a new lead“
- On Microsoft 365: “Upload a file to Onedrive“
