Using timeout

The timeout feature in AIsuru lets you keep the conversation with a user active and engaging, even during periods of inactivity. This is especially useful for steering users toward new topics or maintaining their interest.

How timeout works

When you set a timeout for a question, AIsuru will automatically suggest a new question to the user if they stay inactive for a certain amount of time.

The timeout is chosen randomly between a customizable minimum and maximum value, to make the interaction feel more natural and less predictable.

How to set a timeout

1. Go to your Agent's Contents and create or edit a content

2. Go to the "Advanced: timeout" section

3. Set the minimum and maximum timeout values (in seconds)

For example:

• Minimum timeout: 20 seconds

• Maximum timeout: 40 seconds

In this case, if the user doesn't interact for between 20 and 40 seconds, the Agent will automatically suggest a new question and say: "Why don't you ask me [random question]".

Benefits of using timeout

• Keeps the conversation active: avoids long silences that might cause the user to lose interest

• Guides the user: can introduce new topics or suggest new directions for the conversation

• Customizable: you can set different timeouts for different questions

• Natural experience: the random variation in timeout makes the interaction feel more like a real conversation

How to disable timeout and random questions

For some use cases, timeout might be disruptive.

In AIsuru, you can:

• Keep timeout active for all contents (default behavior): the Agent will ask random questions to the user

• Keep timeout active for some contents: the Agent will ask random questions (drawn from a specific group) to the user

• Disable timeout entirely: the Agent will no longer ask random questions, even if the user hasn't interacted for a while

How to enable timeout only for certain contents

Mark individual contents as "non-random" in the content creation/editing panel, or in the document import settings. "Non-random" contents won't be suggested to the user.

How to suggest questions when the user is inactive

1. Go to your Agent's Settings

2. In the General section, open the Advanced settings panel

3. Enable the "Suggest questions if the user is inactive" toggle

Usage examples

Scenario: virtual tour guide

Content settings:

• Minimum timeout: 15 seconds

• Maximum timeout: 30 seconds

Conversation flow:

1. The Agent describes the Colosseum

2. The user doesn't interact for 17 seconds

3. The Agent asks a random question: "Why don't you ask me when the Colosseum was built?"

4. The user clicks "OK" (the Agent responds) or "No thanks"

Best practices

1. Balance: set timeouts that are neither too short (annoying) nor too long (loses engagement)

2. Context: adapt timeout durations to the context of the conversation and the complexity of the information provided

3. Relevance: make sure the questions suggested after a timeout are pertinent and add value to the conversation

4. Flexibility: consider setting longer timeouts for questions that require reflection or actions from the user

Smart use of timeout can turn a simple interaction into a dynamic, engaging conversation. By experimenting with different timeout values and follow up questions, you can create a richer, more personalized user experience while keeping users engaged and guiding them through everything your Agent has to offer.