Linking content items to show branching, dependancies and information flow

Overview

By the end of this article you will be able to link content items, to create a map of how they are all connected to each other. This is helpful for branching, dependancies and where information flows through your design. Much like a storyboard map - the purpose of connecting content items is that we don't always create a linear learning experience. When this is the case, you need a tool to help you see through each scenario. It's also helpful to be able to show how ideas are forming, across the design and within the mind of your learners.

It's recommended to use Linking when you either will replicate it in the end user experience through navigation/hyperlinks, or within the content - as it builds from foundations through to application or demonstrating expertise in your final product.

Contains

• Creating links - where to find the feature and start linking content items.
• Reviewing links - how you can see what's connected to each content item.
• Storyboard links view - another way to see/edit content item links.

Terminology

• Link - a summary of your design, presented in a format to help you determine preparedness for a review point such as stakeholder sign-off or approval to move to production.
• Parent / Children - a way to explain how a content item (parent) will be linked to other content items (children) that depend on it, in some way.

Ready? Let's connect our content items with links 🔗

Creating links

Step: Navigate to your design and select the Links button in the toolbar.

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This will enable the Content Links mode - but it doesn't make any changes yet, it just sets you with the correct tool.

Step: Select a parent content item from which you want to link with other content items

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Tip: It's best to think of Parent and Children for content links. The parent is the first item you select, and then the children are all the items that will be linked to it.

Step: Select the Link icon for any children content items that you wish to link to this parent content item.

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Step: Observe how there is now a connected, dotted, green link between the two items.

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Tip: The arrow shows the parent / child relationship, as well as the 'moving flow' of the dots.

Outcome: You can how connect content items with links. Super!

Reviewing content links

Step: Select another parent content item and connect more children content items to it. In this example, it's a Menu.

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Step: Some content items may just be part of a linear learning sequence, you can (but not have to) link them to their preceding and next content item.

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In the example above, it shows a standalone content item that has no need for content links to be created.

Step: Link content items that finalise a section to their corresponding future linked children (or next sections a learner may have the choice to navigate to).

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Storyboard links view

Step: Add/Edit content item links from the detailed Storyboard view.

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Tip: You can also use the expanded Details / Storyboard view to also add or edit content item links. The drop down menu will show all content items that can be added as a child to that parent. This is an alternative way of adding, or removing, links.

Outcome: Your content items are now showing how they are linked together, showing the flow or structure of your learning experience 🔗

Top 3 next steps:

1. Review your content links and confirm the flow is as you expect.
2. Add or move content around to fit the flow of your design.
3. Review how the Purpose of your design is connected to the Links - ensure they support each other.

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