Why Interaction-Based Slides Matter

In modern eLearning, engagement is no longer optional. Learners expect experiences that allow them to explore, decide, and receive feedback, rather than passively read content. Adobe Captivate (2013) provides powerful built-in tools to create such interactions—even without complex coding.

In this blog, I’ll walk through a unique interaction-based slide that can be reused across compliance, soft-skills, or product-training courses.

The Interaction Concept: “Choose & Reveal Learning Slide”

Learning Objective:
Help learners actively analyze a situation, make a choice, and immediately understand the impact of that choice.

Interaction Type:
Clickable decision tiles with dynamic feedback layers.

Slide Layout Overview

Left Side:
A realistic scenario image (workplace / classroom / athlete / customer situation)

Right Side:
Three clickable options presented as cards or buttons

Below:
A reflection or takeaway that appears after interaction

Step-by-Step Build in Adobe Captivate (2013)

Step 1: Create the Base Slide

• Insert a blank slide

• Add a background image related to your scenario

• Insert a short context paragraph (2–3 lines max)

Example:

“You’re about to respond to a learner who is disengaged during training. How would you handle this situation?”

Step 2: Add Interactive Clickable Objects

• Insert 3 Smart Shapes

• Enable “Use as Button”

• Label them clearly:

  • Option A

  • Option B

  • Option C

💡 Tip: Use rounded rectangles for a modern UI feel.

Step 3: Create Feedback Layers (Key Interaction Element)

For each button:

• Create a Hidden Slide or Group

• Add:

  • Feedback text

  • An icon (✔ or ✖)

  • A short explanation (why this choice works or doesn’t)

Set Actions:

• On Success → Show relevant feedback group

• Disable other buttons once one is clicked

This keeps the interaction clean and focused.

Step 4: Add Visual Feedback

Enhance learning impact by:

• Changing button states (Visited / Disabled)

• Adding subtle fade-in animations

• Using color cues:

  • Green = effective response

  • Yellow = partially effective

  • Red = ineffective

No scripting required—pure Captivate power.

Step 5: Reflection Trigger (What Makes This Unique)

Once feedback is shown:

• Display a reflection prompt, such as:

  “How would you respond differently if this happened in real life?”

This transforms a simple click interaction into applied learning.

Why This Interaction Works

✔ Encourages decision-making
✔ Provides immediate, meaningful feedback
✔ Works on desktop and mobile
✔ Reusable across multiple courses
✔ No advanced variables or JavaScript needed

This approach moves beyond “click to reveal” and supports experiential learning.

Where You Can Use This Slide

• Compliance training

• Leadership & soft skills

• Mental health & wellbeing modules

• Sales scenarios

• Classroom or corporate learning

Final Thoughts

Adobe Captivate (2013) still offers robust interaction capabilities when used thoughtfully. By combining smart shapes, feedback layers, and learner reflection, you can design slides that feel modern, purposeful, and engaging—without overengineering.

If you’re aiming to create learning experiences rather than presentations, interaction-based slides like this are a great place to start.