Interactive links: Adding optional paths to your course flow 

Interactive links let you connect your main learning flow with additional slides that sit outside of it. These additional slides aren’t part of the main course flow. They only appear when a learner chooses to open them.

In practice, this means you can keep your main path focused while still offering learners a way to explore extra details, examples, or context whenever they need it.

Why use interactive links?

Interactive links help you design courses that feel clearer and more flexible for learners.

Instead of pushing every piece of information into a single linear path, you can keep the main flow focused on what really matters and move supporting content into optional slides.

This way, learners aren’t overwhelmed with information upfront. They can choose when to go deeper while still moving smoothly through the core material.

Keep your main flow clean and focused

Not every detail needs to be part of the main path. Interactive links let you move explanations, examples, or context into separate slides so your core content stays clear and easy to follow.

Offer extra detail for those who want more

…without overwhelming everyone else. Some learners want more depth, others don’t. With interactive links, you can provide optional deep dives without slowing down the overall course.

Create branching learning paths

You can guide learners to different slides based on interest or need—for example:

• based on their role or department in the company
• beginner vs advanced explanations
• extra examples vs summary
• “learn more” paths

Make content easier to navigate

Instead of long, dense slides, you can break content into smaller parts and connect them only when relevant.

Improve engagement through choice

Giving learners control over what they explore helps make the experience feel more active and less linear.

Types of interactive links

Interactive links can open additional content in different ways, depending on how much attention or space that content needs.

Choosing the right type helps you keep the learning experience smooth and intentional.

Inline (in-slide expansion)

Inline links open content directly within the current slide (in a box under the link).
Use this when the extra information is:

• short and lightweight,
• closely related to the main point,
• something learners may want to skim quickly.

Inline links are best for quick definitions, short examples, or clarifications.

Modal (popup window)

Modal links open content in a focused pop-up on top of the slide.
Use this when the content:

• deserves attention but shouldn’t interrupt the flow,
• is more detailed, but still optional,
• works well as a “learn more” layer.

Modal links work best for longer explanations, examples, and supporting context.

Full screen

Full screen links open a completely separate view for deeper exploration.
Use this when the content:

• is substantial or complex
• feels like a “mini lesson” on its own
• benefits from full attention without distractions

Full screen is best for deep dives, extended examples, or scenario-based content.

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If you’re unsure which link type to use, a simple rule of thumb is:

• If it’s quick and supportive, go for inline.
• If it’s important but optional, use a modal.
• If it’s a full topic on its own, choose full screen.

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How to create interactive links

Adding an interactive link is as easy as adding any other element to a slide in JollyDeck.

First, you add the link element. Then you choose how it should open—inline, in a modal, or in full screen. Finally, you select which additional slide it should lead to, either an existing one or a new one.

For a step-by-step guide, check the video below.

Best practices for using interactive links: Do’s and Don’ts

Interactive links work best when they support the learning flow rather than overshadow it.

A good rule is to keep your main path focused on essential content and use links only for information that is helpful but not required to understand the core topic.

Do:

• Use links to extend learning, not interrupt it: e.g. add optional examples or case studies for deeper understanding
• Think in terms of learner curiosity: what might they want to explore next?
• Keep link titles clear and action-oriented: e.g. “See example”, “Explore case study”
• Be consistent in how you use interactive links across the course: use the same interaction type for similar content, such as modals for case studies

Don’t

• Don’t overuse links: avoid turning the course into a “maze” of branching paths where everything is clickable
• Don’t rely on links to fix unclear or incomplete content: links should extend understanding, not compensate for missing explanations in the main slide
• Don’t hide essential information behind links: key concepts should always be visible in the main learning flow
• Don’t treat interactive links as decoration: every link should have a clear learning purpose and add value to the experience

A clear main flow, supported by a small number of well-placed interactive links, usually creates the best learning experience.