Overview
Captivate for Performance Support Tools teaches designers how to create just-in-time learning resources that help employees perform tasks at the moment of need. This course moves beyond traditional course-based training to focus on micro-reference tools, contextual help systems, and quick-reference materials that integrate into daily workflows and deliver immediate performance impact.
Participants will learn to design performance support assets that are easily accessible, quickly consumable, and directly applicable to job tasks. Through practical exercises, you’ll develop searchable job aids, interactive decision tools, and mobile-friendly reference materials that reduce the gap between learning and doing.
Format: 1 Day | Live Online (VILT)
Who Should Attend
- Instructional designers creating just-in-time learning resources
- Training developers building workflow-integrated support tools
- Knowledge management professionals developing reference systems
- L&D specialists seeking alternatives to traditional course delivery
What You’ll Learn
- Distinguish performance support from traditional training approaches
- Identify tasks and contexts appropriate for just-in-time support
- Design micro-reference tools optimized for rapid consumption
- Create interactive decision aids and troubleshooting guides
- Build searchable job aid libraries in Captivate
- Optimize performance support for mobile device access
- Integrate support tools with existing workflows and systems
- Measure the effectiveness of performance support interventions
Course Outline
Module 1: Performance Support Fundamentals
- Understanding the five moments of learning need
- Distinguishing training from performance support
- Identifying high-value performance support opportunities
- Analyzing task complexity and support requirements
Module 2: Designing Micro-Reference Tools
- Creating quick-reference cards and step guides
- Designing scannable content for rapid information retrieval
- Building visual job aids with annotated screenshots
- Optimizing content length for moment-of-need consumption
Module 3: Interactive Decision Support
- Developing troubleshooting wizards and diagnostic tools
- Creating branching decision aids for complex procedures
- Building calculators and interactive reference tools
- Designing checklists with embedded guidance
Module 4: Contextual Help Systems
- Creating tooltip-style contextual assistance
- Building searchable help libraries and knowledge bases
- Designing context-sensitive support triggered by user actions
- Integrating help content with application workflows
Module 5: Mobile Performance Support
- Designing for on-the-job mobile access
- Optimizing touch interactions for field use
- Considering offline access and connectivity limitations
- Testing mobile performance support in realistic conditions
Module 6: Deployment and Effectiveness
- Selecting delivery platforms for performance support
- Promoting adoption and integration with workflows
- Measuring usage patterns and support effectiveness
- Iterating based on user feedback and performance data
Prerequisites & Technical Requirements
- Basic Adobe Captivate skills including slide creation and publishing
- Understanding of instructional design principles and job task analysis
- Computer with Adobe Captivate installed (trial version acceptable for training)
Customization Options
This course can be customized to address specific job roles and tasks within your organization, incorporate your existing documentation and procedures into exercises, and align with your technology infrastructure for performance support delivery. We can focus on particular support tool types most relevant to your workforce needs.