# Channels

Channels facilitate realistic engagement by simulating real-world information sharing and communication pathways among personas in a simulation. They **are fundamental to delivering the exercise as they serve as the medium through which all interactions and content delivery occur.**

In Conducttr, when publishing an inject, it is essential for the designer to select both the persona and the channel through which the content will be delivered.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2F7HbCLP4pzT7flqSbOQMK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=02bbb1bf-133a-45c0-ba76-41b872d2e425" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Configuration (How to)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Access channel configuration

Navigate to `Configuration` > `Exercise` > `Channels` in the Editor:

<figure><img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FRD0EsSMhI71E1nkTPnzO%2Fchannel%20config.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7aae6ed4-ab53-42c4-a5ea-9deea41f8a92" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enable channel

* Click the `Active` toggle switch next to the chosen channel to enable it.
* **Channels like InfoMap and SocialWatch will not auto-enable** as they can't be used in an inject&#x20;
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Customise channel names and icons

Channels have generic default names like MicroBlog and GoSocial. Use the right-hand panel to edit the name and desktop icon to match your exercise or branding needs:

<figure><img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FumV8jip9sDqrnoU0LRp5%2Fchannel%20name%20and%20icon.png?alt=media&#x26;token=790c5b30-49ec-4098-92bf-fb30992fc4fc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure channel settings for persona

<figure><img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FBW58gUSEiRuMJMucjFBU%2FNew%20HTML%20screenshots%20(26).png?alt=media&#x26;token=b445fd72-6636-47e0-aacb-1e244a3f5396" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can go to the `Persona Library` to enable or disable channels for personas individually or in batch as needed. However, in the Master Events List (MEL), when creating an inject, selecting a channel and adding content which will enable the channel for that persona. If there’s any missing configuration for a persona (e.g., a missing email address when they need to send an email), you’ll be prompted for clarification.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3476309720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsNKxYbIPgfYmCR9EJgAu%2Fuploads%2FsUtbYUexVGN5AsYXWQhM%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6aaae7aa-445a-4076-a1b8-8be12dbcc3b1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Options

<table><thead><tr><th width="188">Option</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Channel Type</strong></td><td>Type of channel (e.g., Email, Social Media, SMS)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Enable/Disable</strong></td><td>Toggles the channel on or off for the exercise</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Settings &#x26; Style</strong></td><td>Access specific configurations and personalise communication parameters</td></tr></tbody></table>

### What the player sees

Participants will experience interactions through active channels as if they are communicating in a real-world setting. Depending on the channel, this might include receiving and sending emails, social media interactions, or text messages reflecting realistic engagement.

### :star: Best practices

* **Consistency is key**: Ensure communication rules across channels are consistent for realism.
* **Customise for clarity**: Use realistic icons and names to enhance the immersion.
* **Test for persona suitability**: Would this persona use this channel?

{% hint style="info" %}
Use the **Channel Assistant** in AXS if you need help deciding which channel is best for the job!
{% endhint %}