Default Reply¶
The Default Reply feature provides a configurable, Intent-specific response triggered when the NLU model detects a matching Intent from the user input.
Key Benefits¶
- Instant Response Delivery. A predefined reply, for example,
Thank you for your order, is sent as soon as the Intent is recognized, improving the user experience with prompt feedback. - Flexible Flow Control. You can decide whether the Flow proceeds or pauses after the default reply, offering adaptability to different use cases.
- Enhanced Understanding of User Queries. With the default reply providing additional context, the AI Agent can better interpret diverse user inputs, leading to improved recognition accuracy and more effective responses.
Prerequisites¶
Before using the default reply, ensure the following:
- A Flow is created in Cognigy.AI with at least one defined Intent.
- Access to the NLU settings within the Flow to configure the default reply.
Restriction¶
- The default reply is tied to specific Intents and requires manual configuration. It won't activate if it is overridden by other settings like attached Flows or Question Node validations.
How to Use¶
Add the default reply to a specific Intent. If you've configured the default reply for multiple Intents, adjust the settings at the Flow level to ensure consistent default reply behavior.
Add the Default Reply¶
- In the Flow editor, go to NLU > Intents and select an Intent.
- Go to the Default Reply section and configure the following settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Include Default Reply in NLU Training | Defines whether the default reply should be used in the NLU model training. You can select one of the following options: - Use Flow Settings — the NLU training settings will follow the configuration in the Include Default Reply in NLU Training setting defined in Settings > Configuration. - On — the default reply will be included in the NLU model training. - Off — the default reply won't be used in the NLU model training. |
| Channel | Specifies the channel to which the response applies. The default channel is AI. |
| Output Type | Specifies the type of response, supporting the same output types as the Say Node. The default output is Text. |
| Reset | Resets the Output Type setting to its default value. |
Configure the Default Reply for All Intents in the Flow¶
- In the Flow editor, go to Settings > Configuration and select an Intent.
- Go to the General Flow Logic section and configure the following settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Pass Default Reply into Flow | Passes the default reply into the nlu.intentMapperResults.finalIntentDefaultReply Input object for use in Flow logic. The default reply message won't appear in the chat. The setting is disabled by default. |
| Continue Flow after Default Reply | Continues executing the Flow logic immediately after the default reply has been delivered, without waiting for the user input. The setting is disabled by default. |
| Include Default Reply in NLU Training | Includes the default replies in the NLU model training for matching Intents. This setting is enabled by default and can be customized for each Intent. |
How to Test¶
- In the Interaction Panel, enter a phrase matching the Intent. For example,
I want to order a pizza. - Verify that the default reply is sent immediately.
The Flow continues or pauses depending on how you configured the Continue Flow after Default Reply setting.
Example¶
Imagine a pizza ordering AI Agent.
Intent: Order Pizza
Default reply: Great choice! Your order is being processed.
User Input: I'd like a pizza
The NLU detects the Intent, the AI Agent sends the default reply, and the Flow either continues to ask for toppings or pauses.