How do you balance scenario complexity against driving clear, actionable steps from an exercise?

This is a crucial part of simulation design. Here's how to strike that balance:

• Start with clear objectives: Before designing the scenario, define the specific learning outcomes and actionable steps you want to achieve.
• Focus on a few key areas: You don't always have to cover every possible aspect of a crisis. Instead, you could focus on a few key areas that are most relevant to the participants and the organization. For example, do you want to test your initial response processes and how you alert and assemble the Crisis Management Team? For this, you may want a simpler scenario focusing on the first hour or two of a developing crisis.
• Gradually increase complexity: Start with a simpler scenario and gradually introduce more complex elements as participants gain confidence and experience.
• Use the debriefing to connect the dots: Help participants connect the simulation events to real-world scenarios and identify specific actions they can take to improve preparedness.