Previewing a Journey

NextSteps, a powerful digital tool developed by the Jesus Film Project, allows you to create engaging interactive journeys for sharing the gospel and discipling believers. This guide will walk you through the process of previewing your journey, ensuring that your content is effective and user-friendly before sharing it with your audience.

Why Preview Your Journey?

Previewing your NextSteps journey is a crucial step in the creation process. It allows you to:

  1. See your journey from the user's perspective
  2. Identify any potential issues or areas for improvement
  3. Ensure that all elements are functioning as intended
  4. Gather feedback to refine your content

How to Preview Your Journey

Follow these steps to preview your NextSteps journey:

  1. Access the Preview Feature:
    • Look for the preview "Play" button at the top of your journey builder interface.
    • This button is available at any stage of the journey building process.
  2. Launch the Preview:
    • Click the "Play" button to launch a live version of your journey.
    • This will open a new window or tab showing your journey as users will see it.
  3. Explore Your Journey:
    • Start with the first title card and your invitation to explore further.
    • Navigate through all the cards in your journey.
    • Test all interactive elements, including buttons and calls to action.
  4. Check for Consistency:
    • Ensure that the visual elements (colors, fonts, images) are consistent throughout the journey.
    • Verify that the content flows logically from one card to the next.
  5. Test on Different Devices:
    • If possible, view the preview on various devices (desktop, tablet, smartphone) to ensure responsiveness.
  6. Note Any Issues:
    • Keep a record of any problems you encounter or elements you want to change.

Best Practices for Journey Testing

To get the most out of your preview and testing process:

  1. Gather Real User Feedback:
    • Share your journey preview with a small group of trusted individuals who represent your target audience.
    • Ask for honest feedback on the content, design, and overall user experience.
  2. Use Structured Feedback Questions:
    • Prepare specific questions about different aspects of your journey to guide the feedback process.
    • Example questions might include:
      • Was the purpose of the journey clear from the beginning?
      • Did you find the navigation intuitive?
      • Were there any points where you felt confused or unsure what to do next?
      • Did the content resonate with you emotionally or spiritually?
  3. Observe User Interactions:
    • If possible, watch as people navigate through your journey for the first time.
    • Pay attention to their reactions and any points where they hesitate or seem confused.
  4. Iterate Based on Feedback:
    • Use the insights gathered from testing to make improvements to your journey.
    • Don't be afraid to make significant changes if the feedback indicates they're necessary.
  5. Relaunch Preview After Changes:
    • Remember to relaunch the preview after making any changes, especially if you've modified the journey's URL.

Important Note on URL Changes

If you change the URL of your journey at any point during the creation process, you must relaunch the preview. This ensures that you're viewing the most up-to-date version of your journey and that all links and connections are functioning correctly.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on creating and previewing effective journeys with NextSteps, visit:

By thoroughly previewing and testing your NextSteps journey, you can create a powerful, engaging experience that effectively guides users through your digital ministry content. Remember, the key to a successful journey lies not just in its content, but in how well it resonates with and guides your intended audience.

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