How to Create Software Simulations on Solidroad

Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Google Chrome — the Solidroad extension is only compatible with Chrome

• Access to the backend system or software you plan to record

• The Solidroad Chrome extension installed, pinned, and signed in

Step 1: Set Up the Chrome Extension

1. Download and install the Solidroad Chrome extension.

2. Pin it to your Chrome toolbar:

   • Click the Chrome Extensions icon

   • Pin the Solidroad extension for easy access

3. Open the extension and confirm you are signed in — recordings won't save correctly if you're not.

   

Step 2: Record a Backend Tool Process

1. Navigate to the backend system or software you want to record.

2. Click the Solidroad Chrome extension.

3. Wait for the 3–2–1 countdown before recording begins.

4. Perform the process you want to document — click, type, and navigate exactly as you would in a real workflow.

5. When finished, click the extension again and select Stop and Save.

Once saved, you will be automatically redirected to the Solidroad app.

Step 3: Review and Organise Your Steps

After saving, you'll land in the Flow Editor. Before adding any hotspots, take a moment to clean up your steps — this will save time later.

Understanding the Flow Editor layout:

• Left panel — a slide-style list of screenshots captured during recording

• Middle panel — a full preview of the selected screen

• Top tabs — switch between Edit (build the flow) and Preview (test it as a learner)

Cleaning up your steps:

1. Delete unnecessary steps — remove duplicates, accidental clicks, or anything that doesn't add to the workflow

2. Rename each step — use clear, descriptive names like "Open customer profile" or "Update shipping address"

3. Reorder steps — drag steps into the exact sequence you want learners to follow

Getting your step list clean and in order first makes it much easier to configure hotspots, since you'll be referencing step names throughout.

Step 4: Build the Interactive Simulation

1. Stay in the Edit tab.

2. For each screen, click Add Hotspot.

3. Place hotspots on the relevant parts of the screen.

4. Configure each hotspot's behaviour:

   • Next — moves the learner to the next step

   • Trap — prevents incorrect clicks and reinforces the intended path

5. Repeat for each screen in the flow.

Use the Preview tab at any time to test the flow and confirm it behaves as expected.

Step 5: Save or Publish

Once the flow is complete:

• Click Save to keep it as a draft, or

• Click Publish to make it available for use

The flow will appear in the Backend Tools list view and can be reused across assignments and simulations.

Step 6: Add the Simulation to an Assignment

Option A: Assign on its own

Add the backend tool flow directly to an assignment. Learners can practice the system process independently.

Option B: Attach to a conversation simulation

1. Open the simulation you want to update and click Edit

2. Navigate to the final page of the simulation setup

3. Click Add Software Simulation

4. Select the backend tool flow and click Save

What Learners See

When a learner starts a simulation that includes a software simulation:

• The first tab contains the conversation simulation (e.g., a chat-based interaction)

• A second tab lets them switch to the backend tool flow

• Learners can move freely between both as needed

This creates a realistic practice environment that mirrors real-world workflows.

Tips for a Clean Recording

• Resize your browser window before recording. A smaller window helps the simulation display well across different screen sizes. If you notice layout issues during playback, try recording with a smaller window.

• Some content may not record perfectly. Most pages record well, but a few types of content can be tricky:

  • Embedded pages or widgets (common in Salesforce or Zendesk) — may appear blank or incomplete

  • Maps, charts, or interactive graphics — may not replay accurately

  • Embedded PDFs or video players — may not be captured

  If you run into this, the surrounding content and hotspots will still guide learners through the workflow. These limitations apply to iframes, canvas/WebGL elements, Shadow DOM components, and browser plugin embeds.

Troubleshooting

Extension not appearing Make sure the extension is installed, pinned to your toolbar, and that you're signed in.

Recording looks blank or incomplete The page may contain iframes, canvas elements, or embedded content that doesn't record well. Try recording a simpler version of the workflow, or check that you're on the correct page before starting.

Screen size or layout issues Try resizing your browser window to be smaller before recording. This often resolves display problems during playback.

Recording won't save or upload Check your internet connection and try again. If the issue persists, report it using the steps below.

Reporting an Issue

If you run into a problem, let us know by:

• Clicking the Help button in the Solidroad app, or

• Reaching out through your regular channel (e.g., Slack)

When reporting, please include:

• A screenshot or short screen recording of what you're seeing

• The approximate time the issue occurred

• A short description of what you were doing and what went wrong

• Whether we can get access to the tool or software you were trying to record — this helps us reproduce and debug the issue faster