Interactive walkthroughs are one of the best solutions to make sure that users learn software quickly.
An interactive walkthrough is a tutorial that appears on top of an application to show users how it works.
These guides are usually 2-3 steps, but they can be longer for more complicated workflows. In some cases, the walkthrough can explain how to complete tasks; in other cases, it can simply provide some helpful tips and tricks.
The step-by-step guidance of interactive walkthroughs is more engaging and interactive than traditional onboarding methods (like user manuals or product tours).
Instead, walkthroughs allow users to learn by doing.
Users can explore the software at their own pace, gain hands-on experience, and build confidence in their ability to use the application effectively.
This hands-on approach of guiding users reduces the cognitive load on new users and minimizes the need for external support & leads to better product experiences. It transforms the onboarding experience from a passive consumption of information into an active learning journey.
Interactive walkthroughs lead to faster product adoption. Since they are learning in the context of their workflow, they retain far more.
As companies identify areas where users are having trouble, they can create walkthroughs to help users understand confusing areas.
This helps companies achieve a better ROI on their investments and provides a better user experience.
Walkthroughs can also ensure that users are following proper company policies. You can create a walkthrough to take users step-by-step through an important process.
Some walkthrough tools, such as VisualSP, give you access to Microsoft Clarity so that you can see recorded sessions of users in the platform so that you know exactly what they are doing.
Walkthroughs provided in the work context reduce the burden of training and IT support. One company stated that after launching a Digital Adoption Platform with Interactive Walkthroughs, "[they] rarely get support questions anymore."
In fact, VisualSP cuts support tickets by an average of 50%.
Walkthroughs cut the need for support tickets because users can access them at any time and see exactly what they should do.
Interactive walkthroughs offer context-based app guidance, adapting to the user's current location within the software application. This real-time assistance eliminates the need for searching through documents and reduces frustration.
Interactive walkthroughs can also tailor their content to individual user behavior and preferences, providing a personalized learning experience.
Interactive walkthroughs are always available, letting users get help whenever they need it. Unlike support desks or training sessions, which may only be available at certain times, interactive walkthroughs are built right into the software and can be accessed at any point. This means users can get help right when they need it, without having to stop what they're doing.
Being able to access interactive walkthroughs at any time lets users learn at their own pace and get help when they need it most. This self-service approach takes the load off support and lets users solve problems on their own, making them feel more independent and confident. Plus, the flexibility to access walkthroughs at any time encourages users to explore new features and functions on their own schedule, promoting continuous learning and engagement with the software.
To pick the best interactive walkthrough that aligns with your specific needs, consider these product features:
VisualSP: Affordable and Microsoft-Focused
VisualSP is cost-effective and comes with a full suite of features, including interactive walkthroughs, contextual self-help resources, and in-app analytics. It's easy to use and launch, and users receive hands-on support. VisualSP excels in the Microsoft ecosystem, with a strong team of Microsoft 365 experts and out-of-the-box Microsoft 365 resources, but you can use it on any web enterprise application.
WalkMe: A Comprehensive Suite with a Learning Curve
WalkMe offers a comprehensive set of interactive walkthroughs, contextual self-help resources, and in-app analytics. However, its setup and launch can be complex, requiring users to attend a "builder school" for training. Additionally, WalkMe is one of the more expensive Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) on the market.
Pendo: User-Friendly Interface with Powerful Analytics
Pendo provides a user-friendly interface and robust analytics capabilities. It's primarily designed for websites and web-based applications for external users. While Pendo is easy to use, some users find its features limited, and costs can increase as organizations grow.
Whatfix: Affordable, Feature-Rich, but Complex to Set Up
Whatfix offers a wide range of features, is easy to use, and allows user segmentation. It also has an affordable base price. However, users have noted that Whatfix is not as scalable as other platforms and can be complex to set up and configure. Additionally, costs can increase as you add internal applications to the platform.
If you'd like to test out walkthroughs to see how they work, you can take advantage of VisualSP's free trial. You can also discover the other features of the VisualSP help system including hundreds of short, easy-to-consume video tutorials, annotated detailed screenshots, and tip sheets.
