You probably are new to Captivate? I suspect you are talking about a classic software simulation that will lead to static slides (occasionally a Full Motion Recording slide), one for each step in the simulation. That is the easiest way to create/edit a software simulation, at least if you want an interactive tutorial? Or do you want only a video (Demo)? I suspect not, because you are talking about buttons.
OK, you can create a software simulation on one slide but that will mean a lot more work, and unnecessary complications. Everything will have to done using variables, shared/advanced actions and/or JavaScript. I don't believe that will be less complicated at all. Many years of Captivate 'history' prove that its approach is the easiest one for every new user. BTW: Captivate has a filmstrip, where you see all the slides. Each slide has its individual timeline, similar to a video timeline.