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A '''conversational user interface''' (CUI) is a [[user interface]] for computers that emulates a conversation with a real human.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-11|title=What Are Conversational Interfaces? The Basics|url=https://www.cxtoday.com/contact-centre/what-are-conversational-interfaces-the-basics/|access-date=2021-07-22|website=CX Today|language=en-GB}}</ref> Historically, computers have relied on [[text-based user interface]]s and [[graphical user interface]]s (GUIs) (such as the user pressing a "back" button) to translate the user's desired action into commands the computer understands. While an effective mechanism of completing computing actions, there is a learning curve for the user associated with GUI.<ref>{{cite web |title=Conversational Interfaces: Where Are We Today? Where Are We Heading? |website=Smashing Magazine |date=18 July 2016 |url=https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/07/conversational-interfaces-where-are-we-today-where-are-we-heading/ |ref={{SfnRef|Smashing Magazine}} |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref> Instead, CUIs provide opportunity for the user to communicate with the computer in their natural language rather than in a syntax specific commands. <ref>{{cite web |last=Brownlee |first=John |title=Conversational Interfaces, Explained |website=Co.Design |date=2016-04-04 |url=https://www.fastcodesign.com/3058546/conversational-interfaces-explained |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref>
To do this, conversational interfaces use [[natural language processing]] (NLP) to allow computers to understand, analyze, and create meaning from human language.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brownlee|first=Jason|date=2017-09-21|title=What Is Natural Language Processing?|url=https://machinelearningmastery.com/natural-language-processing/|access-date=2021-07-22|website=Machine Learning Mastery|language=en-US}}</ref> Unlike word processors, NLP considers the structure of human language (i.e., words make phrases; phrases make sentences which convey the idea or intent the [[user (computing)|user]] is trying to invoke). The ambiguous nature of human language makes it difficult for a machine to always correctly interpret the user's requests, which is why we have seen a shift toward [[natural-language understanding]] (NLU).<ref>{{cite web |last=Pan |first=Jiaqi |title=Conversational Interfaces: The Future of Chatbots – Chatbots Magazine |website=Chatbots Magazine |date=2017-08-25 |url=https://chatbotsmagazine.com/conversational-interfaces-the-future-of-chatbots-18975a91fe5a |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref>
NLU allows for [[sentiment analysis]] and conversational searches which allows a line of questioning to continue, with the [[context (language use)|context]] carried throughout the conversation. NLU allows conversational interfaces to handle unstructured inputs that the human brain is able to understand such as spelling mistakes of follow-up questions.<ref>{{cite web |author=Lola |title=NLP vs. NLU: What's the Difference? – Lola – Medium |website=Medium |date=2016-10-05 |url=https://medium.com/@lolatravel/nlp-vs-nlu-whats-the-difference-d91c06780992 |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref> For example, through leveraging NLU, a user could first ask for the population of the United States. If the user then asks "Who is the president?", the search will carry forward the context of the United States and provide the appropriate response.
Conversational interfaces have emerged as a tool for businesses to efficiently provide consumers with relevant information, in a cost-effective manner.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Integrating The Best Chatbots With Apps & Assistants|url=https://voicify.com/chatbots/|access-date=2021-07-22|website=Voicify|language=en-US}}</ref> CUI provide ease of access to relevant, contextual information to the end user without the complexities and learning curve typically associated with technology.
While there are a variety of interface brands, to date, there are two main categories of conversational interfaces; [[voice command device|voice assistants]] and [[chatbot]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-01|title=Conversational User Interfaces: In-depth Guide [2021 update]|url=https://research.aimultiple.com/conversational-ui/|access-date=2021-07-22|website=research.aimultiple.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Voice-based interfaces==
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==Text-based interfaces==
A [[chatbot]] is a web- or mobile-based interface that allows the user to ask questions and [[information retrieval|retrieve information]]. This information can be generic in nature such as the Google Assistant chat window that allows for internet searches, or it can be a specific brand or service which allows the user to gain information about the status of their various accounts. Their backend systems work in the same manner as a voice assistant, with the front end utilizing a visual interface to convey information. This visual interface can be beneficial for companies that need to do more complex business transactions with customers, as instructions, deep links and graphics can all be utilized to convey an answer. The complexity to which a chatbot [[question answering|answers questions]] depends on the development of the back end. Chatbots with hard-coded answers has a smaller base on information and corresponding skills. Chatbots that leverage machine learning will continue to grow and develop larger content bases for more complex responses{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onlim.com/en/the-history-of-chatbots/|title=The History of Chatbots - from ELIZA to Alexa|date=12 October 2017}}</ref>
More frequently, companies are leveraging chatbots as a way to offload simple questions and transactions from human agents.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is a Chatbot and How Does it Work?|url=https://searchcustomerexperience.techtarget.com/definition/chatbot|access-date=2021-07-22|website=SearchCustomerExperience|language=en}}</ref> These chatbots provide the option to assist a user, but then directly transfer the customer to a live agent within the same chat window if the conversation becomes too complex, this feature is called Human Handover, chatbot platforms like BotPenguin and other platform offers such features in their chatbots.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://botpenguin.com/features/|title=BotPenguin}}</ref> Chatbots have evolved and have come a long way since their inception. Modern day chatbots have [[persona]]s which make them sound more human-like.
==See also==
*[[User interface]]
*[[User interface design]]
*[[Artificial conversational entity]]
*[[Natural-language user interface]]
*[[Voice user interface]]
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==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{User interfaces}}
[[Category:Human–computer interaction]]
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