Instructional designers have countless options for creating effective learning experiences, but there are two of them that frequently come to the forefront: scenarios and simulations.
Which one is the right choice? Is one better than the other?
The trick to deciding lies in understanding the strengths and limitations of each method and considering the resource constraints you can face as an ID.
Let’s get into the subject to make it clear.
Wait, simulations and scenarios aren’t the same thing?
Nope. They’re actually pretty different.
Though, at first glance, simulations and scenarios seem like they are interchangeable because they do share some similar characteristics.
Both are immersive and involve learner interaction in a safe environment.
However, that’s where the similarities end.
The reality is that each serves a distinct purpose and is best suited to specific learning objectives.
How exactly are they different?
To answer this question, we must first understand what a scenario and a simulation are.
Scenarios
Scenarios use a narrative to present learners with a problem or challenge that they must solve. A typical one contains many decision points where the learner must determine the best course of action.
Via a process called “branching,” the learner is faced with multiple questions. Each of them requires a decision that takes the learner down a new path, resulting in a certain outcome.
For instance, a customer service training scenario could consist of a conversation with a challenging customer where the learner must decide what to say next to reach a positive result.
Although scenarios mirror real-life situations, they do not mimic actual reality. Their focus is firmly rooted in storytelling, and as such, their construct is generally pretty simple.
Simulations
In contrast, simulations focus on detailed and often complex virtual recreations of real-world environments.
Learners engage with simulations to practice specific tasks in a controlled, risk-free setting.
Probably the most classic example would be a flight simulator where aspiring pilots can learn to fly a plane without fear of making a mistake or crashing.
At the other end of the scale, a more simplistic simulation is a sandbox version of software. Users can freely use the software’s features in this environment without their actions affecting the live data.
Why use simulations and scenarios in instructional design?
Both of these learning experiences place individuals into realistic contexts, where they are invited to practice their newfound skills or knowledge.
As we know, this type of learning is far more engaging than a passive experience, which means the students are more likely to retain the knowledge and apply it properly in a live setting.
Practicing how to navigate a difficult conversation, for instance, is way more effective than reading how to do it.
And, let’s not underestimate the power of the sandbox environment.
Providing a consequence-free place to practice (get things wrong) gives learners the confidence to experiment, make mistakes, and refine their skills without fear of failure.
When do simulations work best?
Simulations are nearly always used for high-stakes environments, where the actions carry a significant risk or impact in the real world.
That’s why you will often see them used in:
- Healthcare
- Aviation
- Military training
- The energy industry (power plants, etc.)
- Engineering
- Transportation and logistics
Additionally, simulations work very well for complex hands-on processes that involve similar risks. Medical procedures, mechanical repairs, machinery operations, etc.
Aside from human risk, there are other high-stakes environments to consider, too. In particular, the finance and technology industries:
- In finance, trading simulations are frequently used because they typically involve large sums of money.
- In the realm of technology, cybersecurity breach simulations and software testing environments are common.
When should you use scenarios?
As you can probably guess, scenarios are ideal for environments where the risks are important but not so critical.
To illustrate, handling a customer conversation badly will probably cause the customer to go elsewhere, but it won’t physically harm anyone or cause the business to go bust (at least, you’d hope not!).
Therefore, the stakes are lower, but it’s still important to learn good communication skills because no company wants to lose business.
As such, scenarios are a great choice for soft skills training, like communication or leadership skills, and critical thinking skills, like problem-solving.
That’s why you will frequently find scenarios used in a business/office setting where decision-making and situational awareness are key drivers of success.
Not sure which to pick? Here’s how to decide
High-stakes vs low-stakes environments are pretty easy to identify, but what happens when the lines are blurred?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether a simulation or scenario works best.
Start with the learning goals
Ultimately, you need to begin with what the learners are expected to achieve.
Typically, if the goal is to master a physical skill or a process, then a simulation is the more appropriate option.
On the other hand, if learners are expected to improve decision-making or critical thinking, then scenarios make for a better choice.
In the case where both types of learning are required, a blended approach (using scenarios and simulations) might be the ultimate option. I’ve covered this in more detail below.
Then, assess the learner’s skill level
The current skill level of your learners matters.
Basic or entry-level skills lend themselves well to scenarios because you’re dealing with foundational knowledge. Therefore, you don’t tend to need a complex setup in place to get the points across.
However, you do need something more than an information dump, and scenarios provide the ideal amount of interactivity without over-complicating things.
Conversely, advanced knowledge or technical roles benefit more from simulations since they typically require realistic environments to practice in-depth skills.
This is much harder to achieve with a scenario because they can’t provide the depth required for this level of learning. So, simulations are the preferred option here.
Finally, evaluate the environment
Where is the learning experience taking place?
And what resources and constraints are you dealing with?
Simulations are often accomplished through the use of large amounts of equipment, specialized settings, or advanced technology like virtual reality or software.
Therefore, they are not usually feasible in an online learning environment unless the training is centered around software/technology.
Scenarios, however, are excellent for e-learning because the technology required to create them is simple. They also lend themselves well to face-to-face training sessions where multiple participants can take on various roles within the story.
For instance, you can use video recordings, slide decks, or branched quizzes to build a scenario. Free scenario-building software like Twine also exists and is very easy to use.
Don’t forget the budget
This leads us nicely to how much money you have to play with.
Due to their complexity, simulations are a lot more expensive to create than scenarios.
And, the reality for many instructional designers is that budgets are tight.
Thankfully, in many risky industries, the awareness of the need to invest in simulations is already there.
However, if the stakes (and budget) are lower, then a scenario could be the better (or only) option.
Alternatively, if a simulation is an absolute must, consider what’s known as “low fidelity simulations.”
These are simplified and less complex simulations that still replicate the real-world environment, just with less immersion or detail. Of course, they are also cheaper to implement.
A good example here is cybersecurity training
- A low-fidelity simulation might use a simple, browser-based simulation where they identify phishing emails from a series of examples.
- In contrast, a high-fidelity option would be using a realistic, virtualized environment where a simulated network is under attack.
I’d like to think that learning goals and objectives will be the deciding factors on whether a scenario or simulation is used. Yet, the reality is that the available resources are likely to be the largest determinants.
At the end of the day, you have to work with whatever resources you have available, and, unfortunately, there’s no getting around that.
Extra tip: Consider using a blended approach
Sometimes, using a combination of scenario and simulation can really level up the learning experience.
Let’s say you have to design training for using a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Learners log in to a simulated environment that mirrors the company’s actual CRM software and guides them through various tasks that mimic the live software.
Once the learners are comfortable with the system’s features, you could introduce a scenario of a fictional customer. Learners can be tasked with deciding how to address their concerns while using the CRM to facilitate the resulting actions.
In this example, the student learns how to use the CRM system properly as well as developing the skills to handle realistic customer interactions. It’s a double win!
Simulations vs scenarios: Quick reference guide
Here’s a quick summary of what this article has discussed. You can use it to help you decide which type of learning experience to design.
| Simulations | Scenarios | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Skill building and practice | Decision-making and critical thinking |
| Complexity | High. Usually based on advanced skills and multiple variables | Medium. Typically focuses on a simple narrative with varying outcomes |
| Realism | Complex and detailed real-world replication | Realistic contexts are practiced within a story-based narrative |
| Interactivity | Immersive and realistic interaction | Guided decision-making |
| Skill level | Advanced and/or technical | Basic and foundational knowledge |
| Cost | High and resource-heavy | Low and requires minimal resources |
| Use case | High-stake environments that carry large risks | Soft skills and problem-solving |
To finish
Hopefully, this article has cleared up the differences between scenarios and simulations, and you will be able to apply this knowledge to your own training design.
If you are yet to create either experience, I recommend starting with simple scenarios.
There are lots of helpful resources on this site that will point you in the right direction, including the incredibly useful Training Scenario Toolkit.
By Janette Bonnet
Janette Bonnet is an experienced L&D professional who is passionate about exploring instructional design techniques, trends, and innovations.