eDetailer – Popup vs. sub-slide
"All additional information must be available, but that is too much content to fit on a single slide," is usually given as the reason. This is true: The content of a single slide in an eDetailer should focus on the core message and must be visualized accordingly. However, if there is relevant additional content, it makes much more sense to use sub-slides instead of popups.
A sub-slide offers more space for visualization, has a name, a key message, is integrated into tracking by default and can be linked to. Slides are the basic components of an eDetailer, pop-ups are merely components of a slide.
What are sub-slides?
Sub-slides are regular slides, just like any other. The only difference is, they are not included directly in the core flow.
A sub-slide offers more space for visualization, has its own name and key message, and is integrated into tracking by default. Like any other slide, a sub-slide, can be included in flows and be used dynamically at different points in an eDetailer. A sub-slide can also be linked to by default.
Using vertical swipe gestures (swipe gesture = basic gesture on tablets), multiple sub-slides can be easily accessed in the vertical flow of the corresponding main slide in the core flow (core conversation). To ensure smooth navigation using the horizontal swipe gesture on a sub-slide allows switching directly to the previous or next slide in the core flow.
Sub-slides should also be included in the sitemap of the eDetailer. They can be opened directly from the sitemap and offer a comprehensive overview of the slides available in the eDetailer as well as their connections – a real advantage for the planned overall conversation concept.
What is a pop-up?
A pop-up is merely a component of a slide that can be opened and closed with a finger tap. That is why it is not included in the standard tracking and cannot be linked to out-of-the-box. Both can be done with additional programming, but this is not expedient because that's what sub-slides are for.
If essential content is hidden in pop-ups, that is is counterproductive for usability of the conversation flow, because the steady opening and closing of pop-ups is always an interruption.
Pop-ups are ideal for placing small additions within a slide that are only necessary on demand, for references and footnotes, or to provide enlarged displays of details, images or graphics, which can also be easily integrated with a zoom feature.
Conclusion
It is not necessarily a question of pop-up vs. sub-slide, but of using the best solution in the right place in an eDetailer. Both have their area of application, but should not be used for unsuitable purposes.
It is one of the many small but essential details in eDetailer best practice, which are necessary to provide an optimal eDetailer for use in the conversation situation.
Pop-up vs. sub-slide
The solution is not “either or”, but the right application in the right place. This applies to many granular details in order to produce really good eDetailers.