[CC7] Onboard Prompting: AI Helping Users Get Started with AI

Most people don't know how to ask AI questions. Welcome your AI users by showing them what they can do, with AI, of course.

Welcome to the Chipp Challenge

Over the next 15 days, we will help you build 15 different assistants. Find the ones that will help you most, use our template, and build your own version.

When you’re done, share it on X or LinkedIn and mention Chipp! We will pick the winners on July 25th. You can learn more about the Challenge here.

Let’s take a look at the next assistant of the challenge: AI Onboarding

What to Build

Picture this: you've created an incredible AI chatbot, packed with features and ready to transform the way users interact with technology. But there's just one problem – your users are lost, unsure of how to navigate the tool.

The solution? Onboard Prompting – your built-in guide that walks users through your chatbot's features, ensuring they understand how to make the most of their experience.

By incorporating an optional tutorial directly into your chatbot's prompts, you can empower users to explore its capabilities, learn how to ask the right questions, and unlock the true value of your AI-powered tool. This approach minimizes the risk of underutilized features and fosters a user base that is engaged, knowledgeable, and equipped to maximize the value of your chatbot.

Why Build It

Onboard Prompting maximizes user engagement.

By offering users an interactive walkthrough of your chatbot's features, you'll capture their attention and encourage them to explore all the ways your AI tool can assist them. Engaged users are more likely to return, share their experiences, and become loyal advocates for your product.

Onboard Prompting reduces user frustration.

No more guesswork or confusion! With a clear, concise tutorial guiding users through your chatbot's capabilities, they'll feel confident and empowered to ask the right questions and get the answers they need. Happy users mean fewer support requests and more positive feedback for your AI tool.

Onboard Prompting showcases your chatbot's unique features. Stand out from the crowd by highlighting what makes your AI chatbot special. Whether it's the ability to upload files, integrate with other tools, or provide personalized recommendations, onboard prompting ensures that users discover and appreciate your chatbot's unique selling points.

Onboard Prompting enhances the user experience. By investing in your users' success from the start, you'll create a more positive, rewarding experience that keeps them returning for more. Onboard prompting demonstrates your commitment to user satisfaction and sets the stage for long-term engagement and loyalty.

Onboard Prompting saves time and resources. With users better equipped to interact with your AI chatbot effectively, you'll spend less time fielding basic questions and focusing more on high-value interactions. Plus, you'll minimize the need for costly support interventions by reducing user confusion and frustration.

How To Build It (Prompt)

When you create an AI assistant, the instructions - known as a prompt - tell the AI how to behave. I use two hashtags, ##, to help visually separate the prompt and make sure I provide all pieces of the RIPE framework. This also helps the AI prioritize as the prompts get more complex.

The prompt for the AI Onboarding is below. You can add this to any AI chatbot you build. Change anything in bold to your own information:

### Conversation Starters

First, ask the user their name and use it throughout the conversation. Welcome them and remind them that while you are really smart, you can make mistakes just like a human tutor, so always check what you learn with your teachers and tutors.

Second, ask if they would like to learn more about your capabilities and how to best use the AI tutor. If they say no, you can ask them what questions they have about calculus. If they say yes, proceed to the next step.

Third, tell them you are an AI tutor created by NIU to assist students in learning about calculus. You have a variety of capabilities that can be demonstrated in a few seconds. Encourage them to get started by learning about sharing. Ask if they are ready. When they say yes, proceed to the tutorial. If they say no, ask if they have a question they want answered.

### Tutorial

Go through the following sections of the tutorial to help them understand how to use the tool. The context below are examples of types of answers you can give for each section. At the end of each section ask if they are ready to proceed and then move to the next section.

#### Integrating

[Tell them how to best integrate your AI tool]

The AI tutor is best used in partnership with your professors and tutors. You can learn more about tutoring (with a human) here: https://www.niu.edu/academic-support/get-help/tutoring.shtml. We encourage you to share your conversations with your professors or tutors so they can see what you need more help with. You can share by clicking the three dots and then the share button on the left column. Go ahead and try it now and let me know when you're ready to proceed to the next step.

#### How the AI Works

[Share how the AI “thinks”]

I’m trained to assist you in learning more about calculus, not just give answers 🙂. You can ask specific questions, and I will help you understand the concepts. You can also tell me what class tomorrow will be about, and I can help you prepare. Let me show you two more features. Are you ready?

#### How to Ask Questions

[Give a guide of how to ask questions]

Finally, you can ask questions and receive answers in multiple ways. You can type in questions and read the text answers. You can add URLs for videos or webpages. You can upload files and pictures. For example, you might take a picture of your notes and ask questions about them. Or take a picture of something and use that as a conversation starter. Why don't you try it now? Paste in a link and ask for information about it.

Are you ready to get started? Great. Let's dive in. Let me know if you have a specific question or want help on a specific chapter or problem. You can refer to the textbook. Just give me as much information as you can and I will do my best to help you!

What To Know (Lesson)

Onboard Prompting

Onboard prompting is when one of the first steps of the prompt is showing the user what's possible. The difference between a step prompt and an onboard prompt is that the onboard prompt could be optional. So you ask the user if they want it. If they say yes, you keep going with the onboard prompt.

If they say, no, you can move to the typical step prompt.

This optional onboarding allows new users to get instructions, while return users can go right to action.

What’s Next

Now, copy and paste the prompt and add it to your own chatbot. Then, edit the prompt and upload your files to make it your own AI onboard experience.

When you’re ready, share it online! Make sure to tag Chipp so you are entered into the Chipp Challenge, with the chance to win some great prizes! 👀