Playbooks
Retention
CSM

Storylane for
Training and documentation

Turn passive documentation into interactive demos that reduce support tickets
Who’s it for
Support teams, Training managers, Documentation teams
Where it works
Help centers, knowledge bases, in-app guidance, LMS platforms
What you’ll achieve
Higher completion rates, reduced support tickets, improved user proficiency

Why it matters

Traditional training methods like videos and static documentation often fail to engage users or drive meaningful skill development. Interactive demos transform passive learning into active participation, dramatically improving comprehension while reducing support team workload.

Static documentation tells users what to do. Interactive demos show them how to do it
Renee Scrybalo
CSM, Storylane

Key takeaways

  • Start with clear goals - Begin each demo with specific learning objectives users will achieve
  • Keep demos digestible - Limit to 5-8 steps per demo to prevent information overload and maintain engagement
  • Use problem-solution structure - Address common challenges before demonstrating interactive solutions
  • Enable strategic placement - Deploy demos in knowledge bases, help centers, and within product interfaces

Implementation guide

Goal-oriented structure

  • Begin each demo with clear introduction explaining exactly what users will learn or accomplish
  • Address common challenges or questions users face before providing interactive solutions
  • Structure content around specific learning outcomes rather than comprehensive feature overviews
  • End with recap of key points and clear next steps to reinforce learning objectives

Digestible content design

  • Keep individual demos concise (5-8 steps) to prevent cognitive overload and maintain engagement
  • Break complex topics into multiple related demos using checklists for easy navigation
  • Use progressive disclosure to build understanding incrementally rather than overwhelming users
  • Include realistic examples and scenarios that match actual user workflows and challenges

Strategic deployment approach

Knowledge base integration

  • Embed demos alongside written documentation to support different learning styles and preferences
  • Place interactive experiences next to relevant FAQs and support articles for immediate visual guidance
  • Create searchable demo library organized by topic, user role, and complexity level
  • Include demos in automated support responses to enable self-service problem resolution

Optimal Demo Placement

  • Help center articles: Embed after problem description
  • FAQs: Replace text answers with interactive solutions
  • Product interface: Contextual help tooltips linking to demos
  • Support tickets: Automated responses with relevant demo links

Contextual help implementation

  • Deploy demos within product interface using Storylane's embedding features for just-in-time assistance
  • Provide step-by-step guidance exactly when and where users encounter new features or workflows
  • Create tooltip-style demos that activate based on user behavior and interface interaction
  • Offer optional deep-dive experiences for users who want comprehensive understanding

Learning support

  • Enable navigation buttons and progress bars to help users move smoothly through training content
  • Provide links to supplementary resources for users who want to expand their knowledge
  • Create branching scenarios allowing different learning paths based on role, experience, or specific goals
  • Maintain low-friction access with ungated experiences while using protection for confidential content

Continuous improvement

  • Track engagement analytics to identify drop-off points and optimize content flow
  • Gather feedback through embedded mechanisms to understand user needs and preferences
  • Update demos promptly when product interfaces change to maintain accuracy and relevance
  • Monitor support ticket patterns to identify training gaps and content improvement opportunities

1. Create effective training demos 

Build interactive training experiences that enhance understanding:

  • Focus on goals: Each demo should start with a clear, goal-oriented introduction that tells users exactly what they'll learn (e.g., "Learn how to create a project, view visitor data, and invite teammates").
  • Digestible chunks: Keep individual demos concise (5-8 steps) to prevent information overload and maintain engagement throughout the learning experience.
  • Problem-solution structure: Begin with common challenges or questions users face, then demonstrate the solution through interactive steps that users can actually perform.
  • Checklists for complex topics: For advanced features or multi-part processes, use checklists to organize related workflows, allowing users to focus on sections most relevant to their needs.

2. Strategic demo placement 

Position interactive demos where they'll have maximum impact:

  • Knowledge base integration: Embed demos alongside written documentation to support different learning styles and provide immediate visual guidance.
  • Help center enhancement: Place demos next to relevant FAQs and support articles, providing interactive solutions to common questions.
  • In-app guidance: Deploy demos within your product interface using Storylane's embedding features, offering contextual help exactly where users need it.
  • Support ticket deflection: Include links to relevant demos in automated responses, empowering users to resolve issues themselves while waiting for human assistance.

3. Support diverse learning needs

Accommodate different learning preferences and technical abilities:

  • Navigation options: Enable navigation buttons and progress bars to help first-time users move smoothly through training and manage their time effectively.
  • Supplementary resources: Provide links to related content (webinars, knowledge base articles, etc.) for users who want to deepen their understanding.
  • Adaptive learning paths: Create branching scenarios that allow users to choose different routes based on their role, experience level, or specific learning goals.
  • Low-friction access: Keep training demos ungated for immediate value, using passcode protection or embedding on secured pages when necessary for confidential content.

4. Learnings and best practices

  • Focus on essential workflows that drive activation rather than showing every possible feature
  • Update demos easily when your UI changes without needing to recreate entire training modules
  • Use escape view to make CTAs accessible at any time for users who want to skip ahead
  • Deploy demos alongside other training mediums (videos, documentation) to support all learning styles
  • Add tooltips with additional insights or tips using Storylane's secondary CTA feature
  • Measure engagement with analytics to identify drop-off points and continuously improve your training
  • End each demo with a clear recap of key points and next steps to reinforce learning

Advanced strategies

Static documentation tells users what to do. Interactive demos show them how to do it
  • Focus on essential workflows - Prioritize training on capabilities that drive user activation and long-term engagement
  • Use escape view functionality - Allow users to access CTAs and additional resources at any point during the experience
  • Add secondary CTAs - Include links to documentation, webinars, or support options for users wanting deeper understanding
  • Enable easy updates - Design training content that can be quickly refreshed when product features evolve