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 — keeping users engaged and guiding them through everything your Agent has to offer.