Back to Learn
Lesson 4 min· foundational
The art of the over-the-shoulder assist
Stand to the side. Narrate gently. Hand back control.
Section 1
Stand to the side
Never reach across someone's keyboard. Side-by-side puts you on the same team and keeps the user in control.
Section 2
Narrate, don't drive
Say what you're seeing, not what to click. 'Looks like the order form opened in a new tab — try the one behind it.'
Section 3
Hand back control
End every assist by stepping back half a pace. The user must finish the workflow themselves to retain it.
Takeaways
- Side, not over.
- Words, not hands.
- Always hand it back.
ateposture
Keep going
video · 2 min
Floor handoff in 90 seconds
What to say to the next shift consultant.
playbook · 4 min
Bedside assist with a hesitant clinician
Ask permission. Stand side. Narrate. Step back.
video · 2 min
Three postures that build trust
Side, eye level, hands visible.
video · 3 min
How clinicians read a screen
Eye-path patterns and where to point — not click.