The bot asks the user a question to which it does not know the answer in order to capture new information.
- A: Ask for a specific piece of information (slot).
- U: Provide value → A: Confirm/store.
- U (Optional): Sequence closer.
This primitive is the building block for question-driven dialogue, where chains of bot inquiries prompt human thinking and elaboration.
Repair affordances
Repeat the question; paraphrase; example of valid input; define technical terms.
Metrics
Drop-off per slot; correction rate; time-to-complete; data validity rate.
Related patterns
Enables
- Conversation — bot inquiry drives question-driven dialogue
- Open request — bot inquiry is embedded within open request to gather missing constraints
Preceded by
- Opening (User) — bot inquiry is used when a user opening requires clarification before the bot can proceed