> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.idew.org/code-chatbot/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.idew.org/code-chatbot/warm-up-project-outline/4-design-a-bot-with-a-purpose.md). # 4 Design a Bot with a Purpose ## Objective Design and develop a basic chatbot that solves a particular problem. ## Instructions Ok, let's design a bot that actually does something useful. Each of you will define a simple problem for your bot to solve for somebody, then map out how your bot will function. 1. **Define the Problem.** Define what you want your bot to achieve for people. Keep it simple, but specific. For example, *provide some background information about the August 2017 solar eclipse and link them to information about specific times to view the eclipse from their location*. 2. **Mini-Personas for the users and bot.** Describe the people you want to serve with your bot. Also, describe the personality of your bot. Will it be formal or informal? Fun or serious? Etc. 3. **Create a Conversation Flow.** Use [this linked image](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*7mIJHfbIE7A9TELnXOaASQ.jpeg) (from [this article](https://blog.prototypr.io/how-can-you-create-a-simple-working-chatbot-in-2-hours-from-scratch-f92c31c7e974)) as an example. [Here is another example](https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Uavu4TwD4yCmc7isSPJ6T4LM7snF8KYMk29p3vFGh8k/edit?usp=sharing). Remember, keep the ultimate goal of your bot very simple, but think about the potential paths a user may take to get there. 4. **Edit Your Bot Script to Match.** Finally edit your script (RiveScript) to match your bot flow and test it in the message app. Use [this template](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CesR18bYIEUy1YSfgoDXsqhXiPSp-oRYH9YlRc89qlc/edit?usp=sharing) for your Design Document in steps 1 - 3. ## ✓ Deliverable * Submit your design document in class **A Checklist for Chatbot Usability** * Is the name compatible with the purpose of the bot? * Does the initial chatbot message provide an indication of what the user should do next? * Does the bot recover well if the user get's lost in the conversation or provides unusable information? * Are the triggers (what the user can say) flexible enough to handle the different ways users may say something. * Is it generally helpful? Does it provide a sense of closure to the user even if the user thought your bot would provide something different? --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.idew.org/code-chatbot/warm-up-project-outline/4-design-a-bot-with-a-purpose.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.