Can DITA be used for creating interactive documentation for defense training and simulations?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Yes, DITA can be utilized to create interactive documentation for defense training and simulations, offering an effective way to provide engaging and informative materials for training purposes. DITA’s modular structure and topic-based approach make it well-suited for creating interactive content. Here’s how it can be applied:

1. Modularity for Interactive Elements: DITA’s modular structure allows you to create individual topics or modules for various training components, such as simulations, interactive exercises, or quizzes. Each topic can be self-contained, making it easier to develop, update, and manage interactive elements within the documentation.

2. Incorporating Interactive Components: DITA supports embedding interactive elements like quizzes, videos, simulations, and exercises directly within topics. For instance, HTML5 or JavaScript-based interactive content can be included in DITA topics to create engaging training modules. These elements can be interactive simulations, drag-and-drop exercises, or multimedia components that enhance the learning experience.

3. Structured Delivery: DITA allows you to publish content in various formats, including web-based outputs. This means that the interactive training materials can be delivered as responsive web content, ensuring that they are accessible across different devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Example:

Let’s consider an example where a defense organization wants to create interactive training modules for personnel. The following DITA XML code illustrates how a simulation can be embedded into a DITA topic:

<topic id="training-simulation">
  <title>Interactive Firearm Training Simulation</title>
  <body>
    <p>Here, we provide an interactive training simulation to practice firearm handling and safety. Click the "Start Simulation" button to begin.</p>
    <div class="simulation">
      <iframe src="firearm-simulation.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
    </div>
  </body>
</topic>

In this example, a DITA topic is used to introduce and embed an interactive firearm training simulation, enhancing the training materials with a practical and engaging component.