Questions to ask when picking a tool
What type of content are you creating?
You should use the right tool for the job. A video-based tool like Camtasia would be ideal to create training on a new system where you screen record how to use the system. A course with a lot of written content would be easy to create in a web-based tool like Rise. A course with a lot of interaction and navigation branches would need a tool like Storyline.
Are you converting from PPT (or another format) or creating a new course?
If you are starting with a PowerPoint, then a slide-based tool like Storyline or Captivate will be an easy transition. If you are creating a brand new course, you can choose any tool.
What is your experience with digital design and development?
Are you comfortable creating in digital environments? If so, then you will be able to quickly pick up any course authoring tool. If you are not comfortable with digital creation, use Rise. It’s the simplest tool.
How much time do you have to develop your course?
Rise courses have the lowest development time. If you are pressed for time, you can quickly create a course in Rise. If you are pressed for time and have PPT slides available, using Storyline or Captivate may also be an option since those tools can convert PPT into eLearning.
How challenging are your learning objectives?
Ideally, the answer to this question will guide tool selection. Because Rise limits the design options, your ability to address more complex learning objectives will be limited. If you can address the learning objectives with simple interactives and scenarios, then Rise is a good option. If you require more complex activities to properly teach and test higher-order objectives, a tool like Storyline or Captivate will be needed.
In Summary
If you are just starting out, I recommend starting with Articulate 360 which includes Storyline and Rise. Rise is a great place to start. It is easy to use and lets you rapidly create good-looking content. As your requirements become more complex and you are more familiar with SCORM development, you can start incorporating Storyline interactives in Rise or switch to building whole courses in Storyline.