Item: Adobe Captivate
Rating: 5
Author: Michael Whatley

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We needed a way to rapidly create learning content in a format that was both engaging and entertaining. We wanted a solution that could allow for quick updates as things changed as well as a solution that could be used on a myriad of devices since our sales team was spread nationwide. We tested Captivate along with Articulate Storyline with a group of our designers and tested prototypes with some of our sales team members. We mostly used distance learning solutions for static content that wouldn't change as frequently as some other information.

Pros and Cons

Captivate is great for branching scenarios and detailed eLearning content.
Captivate is in-depth in the availability of options for interactivity, interaction, and responsiveness.
Captivate has a strong reporting capability that allows for tracking within an LMS.

Captivate has a steeper learning curve than other solutions on the market.
Captivate takes time to ensure interactions a built correctly and will function adequately in a published environment.
Captivate does not have as intuitive of an interface as other solutions.

Return on Investment

Captivate was not selected as the tool for wider use due to limitations in interface, learning curve, and end-user adoption.
The need for rapid design tools led us away from Captivate.
Captivate is a more complicated solution than others on the market.

Alternatives Considered

Articulate Storyline

Adobe Captivate is a superior solution when it comes to the overall flexibility of the platform, but does require a more advanced skill set to take advantage of the features and functions within. We ultimately selected Articulate Storyline over Adobe Captivate because of the intuitive interface built into the Articulate platform. Using contract resources, the Articulate Storyline solution is also much easier to have outsiders come in and get right to work. Captivate is not as popular as a tool as Storyline based on the steeper learning curve.

Support Rating

It is difficult to get in touch with Adobe Captivate support. With a seemingly limited number of resources, mostly outsourced, getting in contact with someone to help troubleshoot an issue is challenging. Typically wait times are long, and the desired path to resolution is to use an existing knowledge base or a self-help guide. It is certainly not a user-friendly experience.

Key Insights

Do you think Adobe Captivate delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Adobe Captivate's feature set?

Yes

Did Adobe Captivate live up to sales and marketing promises?

Did implementation of Adobe Captivate go as expected?

Would you buy Adobe Captivate again?

Other Software Used

Adobe Premiere Pro, Camtasia, Adobe Audition

Likelihood to Recommend

Captivate is well suited for technical scenario activities. For example, software simulations where demonstration, practice, and assessment are necessary. Captivate does a very good job of creating simulation type activities compared to other solutions. Captivate also does very well with scoring on assessments. Whether you use clicks or questions to score, Captivate has a great ability to score both types. It is less suited for rapid eLearning development. If your company is looking for a solution to build more traditional eLearning such as click-through presentations with some interactivity and the ability to include multimedia elements, then another solution may be more appropriate. Captivate is a great tool for more advanced developers.

The Ups and Downs of Adobe Captivate

Overall Satisfaction with Adobe Captivate