Skill developers use Conversation constructs to build conversations between the user and Luma. Each Construct represents the steps Luma performs to complete a task. The constructs are added in the sequence of expected execution. Using these constructs, you can ask users for information, integrate with a third-party application, show search results, or conditionally branch to a skill to exit the conversation.
The constructs are available on the Visual Designer palette. You can drag and drop the controls on the canvas and link them together to form the skill.
Luma Virtual Agent provides a wide range of Conversation Items that can be used to perform various actions during a conversation. Following are the conversation items available on the Skill Builder:
Let's look at the constructs available in Visual Designer and how these can be used:
Start
The Start block is the entry point of the skill. It indicates the different methods by which the skill can be triggered. Skill developers use this section to define and configure various ways to initiate the skill, providing flexibility in how users interact with Luma.
A user can trigger the skill using the following:
User Phrases: User Phrases are a set of phrases used to train Luma’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) engine. The Users Phrases are often referred to as utterances when discussing NLP.
Commands: Command is the special phrase to identify and trigger the skill. Commands bypass the NLP component to identify the skill. Based on the command, the associated skill is executed.
On Canvas, the Start step shows the Skill Name and the first user phrase of the skill. You can click on the Skill name to open the Skill Details. For more details, refer to Creating a Skill with Visual Designer | Skill Information
On the Properties panel, you can:
Add User Phrases. By default, two phrases are added by default to the skill based on Skill name and description.
Toggle the switch to Enable User Phrases for the Skill.
Add the user phrases.
You can also tag a word in one of the user phrases and link it to an attribute. To do so, double-click on the word and link to an attribute. If the user phrase is used, the attribute will be automatically filled with the tagged word. For more information, refer to Creating Skill using Classic Designer | Tag Attributes to User Phrases.
Add the command for the skill.
Toggle the switch to enable the command for the Skill.
Add the command.
There can only be one Start in a skill. The construct in not available in the palette and also cannot be deleted from the skill.
Prompts
Prompts are used to fetch and retain information during a conversation between the bot and the user. With Prompt Control, Luma can gather information from users and design the user’s experience. Prompt Control empowers Luma to ask the right questions at the right time.
Following are the prompts available in Visual Designer:
Prompt- Text
Text prompts provide flexibility, allowing users to respond with detailed information. Here you can define the message to be displayed and the attribute to be used to hold and refer to the user’s response.
To add a Text prompt, do the following:
Drag and drop the Text prompt from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from Prompt to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
You could create a new prompt by:
Toggle to ‘New Prompt’.
Add the ‘Message’ Luma should ask the user.
Provide a name for the 'attribute’ to save the user’s response.
Select the ‘datatype' type of information expected.
Confirm if the prompt is mandatory. This means the users must provide the information to go ahead with the skill.
Add the default value.
Click on Create to create the attribute. This is optional. If not clicked, the attribute will be created automatically when Skill is saved.
To add more details to the attribute, such as NLP extraction method and validations, before saving it, click on the Advanced Configuration under the create button.
You could also use an existing attribute.
This enables you to add an existing global attribute to the skill and use the prompt added to the attribute.
Toggle the switch to Choose existing Prompt.
Select the attribute. This loads the Message field with the message configured in the selected attribute.
You change the details by overriding the attribute.
You could click on the pencil icon to update the message. Once done, click on the green tick to save changes.
Alternatively, click on the attribute name and make the required changes on the attribute override pop-up screen.
For more details on attribute override, refer to Building Conversation Flow | Attribute Override.
The Text prompt is now ready.
Prompt -Quick Replies
Quick Reply prompts offer a selection to the end user. Using Quick Replies, skill developers can build personalized conversations. Here you can define the message to be displayed, Options to be presented, and attributes to be used to hold and refer to the user’s response.
To add a Quick Reply prompt, do the following:
Drag and drop the Quick Reply prompt from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from Prompt to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
You could create a new prompt by:
Toggle to ‘New Prompt’.
Add the ‘Message’ Luma should ask the user.
Two options are added by default. These are presented to the users as quick reply buttons.
Add as many options as required. Click on the tag icon to change the payload, which is the value saved in the attribute when the option is selected. For more information, refer to Build User Prompts.
Provide a name for the 'attribute’ to save the user’s response.
Select the ‘datatype' type of information expected.
Confirm if the prompt is mandatory. This means the users must provide the information to go ahead with the skill.
Add the default value.
Click on Create to create the attribute. This is optional. If not clicked, the attribute will be created automatically when Skill is saved.
To add more details to the attribute, such as NLP extraction method and validations, before saving it, click on the Advanced Configuration under the create button.
You could also use an existing attribute.
This enables you to add an existing global attribute to the skill and use the prompt added to the attribute.
Toggle the switch to Choose existing Prompt.
Select the attribute. This loads the Message field with the message configured in the selected attribute.
You change the details by overriding the attribute.
You could click on the pencil icon to update the message and options. Once done, click on the green tick to save changes.
Alternatively, click on the attribute name and make the required changes on the attribute override pop-up screen.
For more details on attribute override, refer to Building Conversation Flow | Attribute Override.
The Quick Reply prompt is now ready.
When Using the 'Quick Replies' and 'Card', the selected option payload is assigned to the attribute. Select 'Show Option text as Value' when the value/payload is not human-readable and should not be displayed to the end user. Luma internally maintains the mapping between the Option text and the payload. The option text is displayed to the user on the channel.
Ensure the option text is unique across all buttons when “Show Option text as Value” is checked.” If the option text is not unique and is the same for all options, the mapping will hold only one entry which is the text mapped to the last option payload value.
Decision Prompt- Quick Reply
Decision Prompts are designed to create dynamic decision paths in a skill. Decision Prompt - Quick reply is a combination of Quick reply prompts and Conditions. The construct guides users through the skill based on their selections. With Decision Prompt, skill developers can design simple paths within your skill, tailoring the conversation flow based on user preferences. From conditional prompts to custom outcomes, the construct can be used to create engaging and intuitive conversations.
To add a Decision Prompt- Quick Reply prompt, do the following:
Drag and drop the Decision Prompt- Quick Reply prompt from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from Prompt to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
You could create a new prompt by:
Toggle to ‘New Prompt’.
Add the ‘Message’ Luma should ask the user.
Two options are added by default. These are presented to the users as quick reply buttons.
Add as many options as required.
You can rename the options. The option names are saved as values to the attribute when the option is selected.
Provide a name for the 'attribute’ to save the user’s response.
Select the ‘datatype' type of information expected.
Add the Validation error Message.
Click on Create to create the attribute. This is optional. If not clicked, the attribute will be created automatically when Skill is saved.
To add more details to the attribute, such as NLP extraction method and validations, before saving it, click on the Advanced Configuration under the create button.
You could also use an existing attribute.
This enables you to add an existing global attribute to the skill and use the prompt added to the attribute.
Toggle the switch to Choose existing Prompt.
Select the attribute. This loads the Message field with the message configured in the selected attribute.
You change the details by overriding the attribute.
You could click on the pencil icon to update the message and options. Once done, click on the green tick to save changes.
Alternatively, click on the attribute name and make the required changes on the attribute override pop-up screen.
For more details on attribute override, refer to Building Conversation Flow | Attribute Override.
The Decision Prompt- Quick Reply prompt is now ready.
The options added to the prompt can now be used to build a path in the skill. When the user takes one of the options, the associated path is taken.
You could also add a Default path to the prompt, which is taken when the user does not take any of the provided options and provides any other value. To do so, select the 'Add Default Path'.
Message
In Luma VA, Messages play a vital role in facilitating the flow of information during conversations between the user and the bot. It enables Luma to send messages to the user without waiting for a response. Primarily, Messages are used to provide timely updates or communicate the outcomes of third-party integrations. These messages can be simple text messages, Quick Replies (providing a range of options to drive subsequent actions), or Text with Image. By leveraging Messages, Luma ensures seamless communication and enhances the user experience throughout the conversation.
Following are the Messages available in Visual Designer:
Message- Text
Text Messages allow skill developers to add simple text messages to be displayed to the user. You could add variations of the message to make the conversation more natural. Luma automatically picks one of the messages and displays it to the user.
To add a Text Message, do the following:
Drag and drop the Text Message from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from Message to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
Add the ‘Message’ to be displayed.
The Text Message is now ready.
Prompt -Quick Replies
Quick Reply Message offers a selection to the end user. Using Quick Reply Messages, skill developers can build personalized conversations. Here you can define the message to be displayed, and the Options to be presented, providing a range of subsequent actions that can be taken.
To add a Quick Reply Message, do the following:
Drag and drop the Quick Reply prompt from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from Message to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
Add the ‘Message’ to be displayed. This is optional.
Add as many options as required. You could add buttons that trigger another skill or conversation using ‘+Options' or open a URL using '+URL’
Click on the tag icon to change the value. This is the action taken when the option is selected. For more information, refer to Building Conversation Flow | Show Message.
The Quick Reply Message is now ready.
Image- Message
Image Messages allow skill developers to add simple text messages and images to be displayed to the user.
To add an Image Message, do the following:
Drag and drop the Image Message from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from Message to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
Add the ‘Message’ to be displayed.
Add the Image URL and a Tooltip. Note: This is not a clickable image. The image used to provide additional information along with the text message.
The Text Message is now ready.
Utilities
In Bot Builder, Utilities are additional tools that enhance the skill-building process. These tools are used to build the logic behind the skill, allowing you to create conditional flows, assign attribute values, transform attribute values, and branch to other skills. By utilizing these constructs, a skill developer can design dynamic and responsive experiences for users.
The following are the constructs available in Utilities:
If Else
The If Else construct in Luma VA is similar to the "Add Conditions" feature in Classic Designer. It empowers skill developers to construct rule-based conditional flows. It dynamically guides users along specific paths within the skill, tailoring the experience based on their inputs. This feature proves particularly valuable when users make generic requests and you wish to steer them towards more specific requests or skills through the course of the conversation flow. With the If Else construct, you gain the flexibility to create customized and personalized interactions, enhancing the overall user experience.
To add an If-Else construct, follow the below steps:
Drag and drop the If-Else construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties, change the step name from If Else to a user-friendly name to identify and define what the step does. This improves the readability of the skill.
Each Rule added on the properties panel appears as a new path in the canvas. The Default path is the fallback path that is taken when none of the Rules are fulfilled or evaluated as ‘true’.
The next step is to define the rules.
On the properties panel, click on the Rule to configure the conditions that form the rule.
Add/Change the Rule Name. Use a user-friendly name.
Now add one or more conditions that should be fulfilled for the skill to take the corresponding path.
You could configure the rule to fulfill ALL, ANY one or CUSTOME (some) of the conditions.
Repeat step 5 to add as many Rules or as many conditional paths as required on the Canvas.
Once the rules are ready, you can add steps to each rule. The defined path is taken when the rule is evaluated as true.
The count 1,2,3… on the links of each Rule indicates the sequence in which the rules are evaluated. Else determines the fallback path that is taken when none of the rule is true.
Trigger Skill
Trigger Skill construct is used for dynamic branching in user conversation. With this construct, you can redirect users to another skill based on specific conditions or user actions. The Trigger Skill construct empowers the skill developer to create intricate decision paths, providing personalized pathways for users based on their unique needs. This construct indicates the end of the current skill and branches the conversation to another skill.
Once the conversation flow is routed to the next skill, the control does not come back to the current skill
To add Trigger Skill, follow the below steps:
Drag and drop the Trigger Skill construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, select the skill to branch to.
Select from the skill list.
Click on the view button to view the details of the branching skill in a new tab.
Set/Transformation Attributes
Set/Transform Attribute enables the skill developers to manipulate and store information obtained from users or integration calls. These constructs enable developers to convert values and use them in various contexts, such as executing tasks through integrations, branching to other skills using Rulesets, or providing users with informative messages. With Set/Transform Attributes, developers can enhance the functionality and customization of their skills by effectively utilizing and transforming data.
Here you can:
Set Attribute - Set the existing global or custom attributes with the values received from Integration calls. You could also create local attributes and use those tp retain information that can be used later in the skill.
Transform Attribute - Transform Attribute is used to transform the values and assign the transformed/formatted/customized value to a Global, Local, or Custom User Attribute. Luma Virtual Agent provides a range of Transformation functions to allow skill developers to convert the data as required, such as Split, Trim, Substring, Replace, Custom Date-Time, and more.
To add a Set/Transformation attribute, follow the below steps:
Drag and drop the Set/Transformation attribute construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, you can now Set Attributes or Transform Attributes.
To Set Attribute:
Click on ‘+Set attribute’.
Now, on the Set Attribute control, configure the details.
Select the attribute to be set.
Select the scope of the attribute, i.e., Global, Local, or User Custom.
Select the Attribute from the dropdown.
Now add the Expression to indicate what type of value is to be assigned to the attribute.
Add expression that holds to assign value.
To Transform value:
Click on ‘+Transform’.
Now, on the Transform Attribute control, configure the details.
Select the attribute to be set after transforming a value.
Select the scope of the attribute, i.e., Global, Local, or User Custom.
Select the Attribute from the dropdown.
Now select the Transformation function.
Select the Function Mode.
Based on the Function mode, provide information to the input parameters. For more details on how to use the Transformation function, refer to Using Transformation Function.
You can add as many ‘Set and transform’ attributes as required. The functions are executed in the sequence in which these are added.
Clear Attribute
The clear attribute construct is used to clear the value available in an attribute. Skill developers can either clear specific attributes or clear all attributes. This flexibility ensures a clean slate for tailored user interactions and streamlined skill behavior.
To Clear an attribute, follow the below steps:
Drag and drop the Clear attribute construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, you may:
Select the ‘Clear Specific Global Attributes’ option.
In the Attribute dropdown, select the attributes to be cleared.
Select the ‘Clear All Global Attributes’ option.
In the Attribute dropdown, select the attributes that should NOT be cleared and data should be retained.
End
The 'End' block signifies the conclusion of a flow within the skill. When the skill execution reaches the End block, it signals the end of the skill's execution, triggering the Global Survey based on the specified configuration. While the End block is not mandatory, reaching a control without a subsequent node also marks the end of the skill execution and automatically accounts for the Survey, following the global configuration. To disable the survey for a specific path in the skill, you can incorporate the End Block accordingly.
To add an End, follow the below steps:
Drag and drop the End block from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, select ‘Do not trigger Global Survey’ to ignore triggering the Survey to the skill.
Integration
The 'Integration' feature provides a seamless connection between Luma VA and external systems. Using integrations, Luma VA fulfills user requests by performing specific actions on the integrated system. By incorporating this functionality into the conversation flow, you can trigger integration calls that interact with external applications to execute desired actions or retrieve relevant information. It enhances the capabilities of Luma VA, allowing for dynamic and efficient interactions with external systems to deliver a comprehensive and personalized user experience. For more information on configuring the integration, refer to Integrations.
To add an Integration to your skill, follow the below steps:
Drag and drop the Integration construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, select integration to be added.
Select the Connected App in Integrate with Connected App.
Select Operation to execute
Select the Instance or environment where the operation should be executed.
In order to make specific changes to the operation based on the skill and user experience required for the skill, you may override the operation.
Click on the operation name to open the override screen and make the required changes.
You can add a construct on the canvas by drag and drop to the canvas. Alternatively, click on the '+' icon in the control and the next step.
To create link between two constructs, drag the cursor on the '+'. A hand icon appears, dragging which creates link between two controls.
You could also drop a control on a link to add a construct between two existing controls on the canvas.
Search and Display
'Search and Display' tools empower the skill developers to enhance user interactions within a conversation with custom Knowledge, Catalog, and Skill searches and then seamlessly present the results using Display controls. This flexibility enables skill developers to craft tailored user experiences, dynamically responding to user actions and inputs.
The following are the constructs available under 'Search and Display':
Search Knowledge
Utilize the 'Search Knowledge' to search Knowledge Articles within your linked Luma Knowledge Tenant. You may add 'Search Knowledge' into your skill to find relevant articles at any point during execution using an article's ID or search phrases. Search can be refined by adding additional keyphrases or specifying the search domain."
Search Knowledge construct eliminates the need to configure integration with the Luma Knowledge tenant. Luma VA and Luma Knowledge tenants are automatically associated with each other. 'Search Knowledge looks for articles directly in the associated Luma Knowledge system. The Knowledge articles in the results can be accessed using the Knowledge Context variables. For more information, refer to Use Variables in Skills.
Follow the below steps to add Search Knowledge to your skill:
Drag and drop the Search Knowledge construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, select the search methods:
Metadata - To search for Knowledge Articles using a phrase. You could also supply additional context for the search by providing metadata,
Article ID - To search for a specific Knowledge article using a Knowledge Article ID.
Now, based on the selected search method, provide the search filters:
For the ‘Metadata’ Method, you may provide the following:
Search Query: Provide the search phrase to search for Knowledge. By default, the user’s initial request (available in context variable @{conv.skillPhrase}) is assigned to the field. You could set the field to a static value or another attribute with a text value.
Domain: Domain is the first level of categorization applicable to the Knowledge Artifact. In Luma Knowledge, all Knowledge Articles are categorized under domains and usually refer to the department or functional division the article is related. For example, HR, IT, Network, etc. These domains must be available in the Knowledge graph of your tenant
Topics: Information on products, services, projects, or sub-teams related to the article. For example, Microsoft, Asset Management, etc.
For metadata search, Pharse is a mandatory filter. You can optionally provide the metadata to enhance the search.
Upon every Knowledge search, Knowledge Context variables are refreshed and loaded with the results from latest search.
Search Catalog
'Search Catalog' is used to search Service Catalogs within your Luma Knowledge Tenant. Add 'Search Catalog' into your skill to seamlessly search for catalogs during its execution, using a search query or a specific catalog ID. This eliminates the necessity of configuring integrations with the Luma Knowledge tenant, enabling Luma to directly access catalogs within the associated Luma Knowledge system. The Catalogs in results can be accessed using the Catalog Context variables. For more information, refer to Use Variables in Skills.
Follow the below steps to add Search Catalog to your skill:
Drag and drop the Search Knowledge construct from the palette onto the canvas.
On the properties panel, select the search methods:
Search Phrase or Keyword - To search for Service Catalogs using a phrase. You could also supply additional context for the search by providing keywords,
Catalog ID - To search for specific Catalogs using a Catalog ID.
Now, based on the selected search method, provide the search filters:
For the ‘Search Phrase or Keyword’ Method, you may provide the following:
Search Phrases: Provide the search phrase to search for Catalog. By default, the user’s initial request (available in context variable @{conv.skillPhrase}) is assigned to the field. You could set the field to a static value or another attribute with a text value.
Keyword: Any special code or identifier associated with the catalog can help Luma VA search the Service Catalog.
Categories: Categories are used to organize catalogs and usually refer to the type of systems or requests the catalog is related to. These categories must be available in the Category graph of your tenant.
For the ‘Search Phrase or Keyword’ search, Search Pharse is a mandatory filter. You can optionally provide the metadata to enhance the search.
Upon every Catalog search, Catelog Context variables are refreshed and loaded with the results from latest search.
Display Knowledge
Use 'Display Knowledge' to present Knowledge articles to the end-user during your skill's conversation flow. This construct automatically uses the Knowledge Context variables (updated by initial search or Search Knowledge construct) for article display and can even navigate the user through identified Topics and sub topics when ambiguity arises in the results.
With 'Display Knowledge,' you can customize when Knowledge articles, whether retrieved from Luma's initial search or custom queries using 'Search Knowledge,' should be presented. Additionally, you can define the number of articles and the messages displayed to the user along with the Knowledge content.
Follow the below steps to add ‘Display Knowledge’ to your Skill:
All the necessary configurations and message are defined out-of -the-box. The messages and card definition are defined in Presentation templates. You could use the OOTB configurations or customise as required.
Add Display Knowledge to the Conversation flow.
On the Properties panel, Select 'Limit number of Artifacts', if you wish to restrict the number of articles to be displayed. Next, add the 'Maximum Artifacts to be displayed'.
You can now customize the messages to be displayed with the Topic Navigation and the list of Knowledge Articles.
The messages and the definition of the card with Knowledge Article details are part of the Presentation Template. For more details refer to Presentation Templates.
You could use the default configuration or click on Customise to edit the messages.
The customized messages are local to the skill; any changes to the presentation template do not update the change.
Click on Discard to cancel any changes made to the presentation messages.
On the canvas, you must define two possible paths for your skill:
Skip Topic Path is taken when the user skips a Topic or Subtopic selection during Guided Navigation. Define what should happen when the user does not wish to navigate through topics to view Articles.
The Default path indicates the next steps that the skill should take after articles are presented to the user (with or without guided navigation). Define the default path to indicate what should happen after articles are displayed to the user.
Display Precise Answer
"Display Precise Answer" is designed to swiftly present users with accurate responses to their queries, eliminating the need to read through entire knowledge articles. A 'Precise Answer' is provided when Luma confidently resolves the user's query, ensuring an efficient and user-friendly experience. The construct automatically uses the Knowledge Context variables (updated by initial search or Search Knowledge construct) for information display.
Follow the below steps to add ‘Display Precise Answer’ to your Skill:
Add Display Precise Answer to the Conversation flow.
On the properties panel, select the checkbox 'Select View Articles…' to provide an option to view the article along with the precise answer.
Provide the label for the article view option.
Display Catalog
Use 'Display Catalog' to present Service Catalogs to the end-user during your skill's conversation flow. This construct automatically uses the Catalog Context variables (updated by initial search or Search Catalog construct) for catalog display and can even navigate the user through identified categories and Subcategories when ambiguity arises in the results.
With 'Display Catalogs,' you can customize when Catalogs, whether retrieved from Luma's initial search or custom queries using 'Search Catalog,' should be presented. Additionally, you can define the number of catalogs and the messages displayed to the user along with the search results.
Follow the below steps to add ‘Display Catalog’ to your Skill:
All the necessary configurations and message are defined out-of -the-box. The messages and card definition are defined in Presentation templates. You could use the OOTB configurations or customise as required.
Add Display Catalog to the Conversation flow.
On the Properties panel, Select 'Limit number of Catalogs', if you wish to restrict the number of articles to be displayed. Next, add the 'Maximum Catalogs to be displayed'.
Next, customize the messages to be displayed with the Category Navigation and the list of Catalogs.
The messages and the definition of the card with catalog details are part of the Presentation Template. For more details refer to Presentation Templates.
You could use the default configuration or click on Customise to edit the messages.
The customized messages are local to the skill; any changes to the presentation template do not update the change.
Click on Discard to cancel any changes made to the presentation messages.
On the canvas, you must define two possible paths for your skill:
Skip Category Path is taken when the user skips a Category or Subcategory selection during Guided Navigation. Define what should happen when the user does not wish to navigate through topics to view the catalog.
The Default path indicates the next steps that the skill should take after catalog are presented to the user (with or without guided navigation). Define the default path to indicate what should happen after articles are displayed to the user.
Display Skill
Display Skill is used to display the skills to the end-user. Add the construct to the skill’s conversation flow whenever you want the Skills to be displayed. Display Skill automatically uses the Skill-related Context variables to display the Skills. Using 'Display Skills,' you can specify when the Skills found during the initial search by Luma should be displayed. You can also define the messages displayed to the user when presenting the Skills.
Follow the below steps to add ‘Display Skills’ to your Skill:
Add Display Skill to the Conversation flow.
On the properties panel, you can customize the messages to be displayed with the list of Skills.
The messages and the definition of the card with skill details are part of the Presentation Template. For more details refer to Presentation Templates.
You could use the default configuration or click on Customise to edit the messages.
The customized messages are local to the skill; any changes to the presentation template do not update the change.
Click on Discard to cancel any changes made to the presentation messages.
