> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdocs.conducttr.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpdocs.conducttr.com/concepts/designing.md).

# Designing

## Essentials

All exercises need to consider SME - **Story, Mechanics and Environment**.

Use the Canvas in AXS to see these at a glance so you know they’re all considered together.

<img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FPBr3PevmXIN55VIDF9sQ%2Ffile.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&amp;token=78106648-8cb2-4dc6-abf7-2a4bb122146a" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## Participatory Storytelling

A character in a story overcomes challenges to discover themselves.

In a crisis exercise, the player is the character – they must overcome challenges to believe in themselves and believe in the process (or reform it).

Think in terms of distinctive events which are moments in the exercise: one event = one serial.

<figure><img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FKtL2Ar67LPILWTHFdKby%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=39ba2b3c-b5f1-41df-9a49-b9e798a73fd9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Players need to do stuff

Exercises are **participatory** – we need to remember that we need to get players **doing something**, not passively reading.

A common mistake is to publish a lot of content and have players read too much.

Use the diagram below to consider possible player activities as a means to achieve your training objectives.

<img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FxXtlR96KK7ECD5qqy0LU%2Ffile.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&amp;token=3e42ef1f-b239-4ec8-990a-870b7f672d5b" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">


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