RESPONSIBILITIES: Instructional Designer & Developer
TARGET AUDIENCE: Participants in the LogWars CTF competition
TOOLS USED: Camtasia
CLIENT: LogRhythm (shared with permission)
YEAR: 2023
With the launch of a capture-the-flag (CTF) security competition on a new SaaS security platform, there were concerns that participants unfamiliar with the platform might struggle with the competition tasks. We needed a way to deliver essential platform knowledge quickly and effectively to all participants, keeping in mind that the venue space could be noisy.
To identify the optimal solution, I consulted with a product Subject Matter Expert (SME) to discuss knowledge gaps, performance objectives, and logistical limitations of the venue.
Based on this analysis, I determined that a demo video with clear on-screen callouts (without voiceover) would be most effective. This approach allowed the video to be displayed on a large screen in a communal space or on individual devices as participants entered the virtual waiting room before the competition.
Using the CTF task list, I drafted a logically ordered outline for the demo and verified its completeness with the SME. In the design document (pictured), the left column served as my recording guide, while the right column contained the text callouts used in the final video.
I recorded and edited the demo in Camtasia, adding highlights, callouts, zooms, section headers, and transitions to enhance visual guidance. Background music licensed from Adobe Stock provided an audio cue for topic shifts.
Watch the finished video below.
This project has been shared with permission.
The demo video successfully provided participants with the foundational knowledge needed to approach competition tasks confidently. I found the process of distilling information and guiding viewers visually both challenging and rewarding. The Marketing team also saw value in the video and is considering it for promotional use. This project reinforced the effectiveness of visual cues and thoughtful content design in creating impactful training solutions.