How can you create a natural information architecture using conversational interfaces?

-> Conversation is the new UI. Siri, Alexa and other voice assistants not only changed the way we use some devices but also in which direction the technology needs to go. Natural Language is the ultimate goal that will allow a massive adoption of any kind of technology. It doesn't matter if it will be via voice or text, but it will be conversational.

Natural language is important because it's the way humans naturally communicate. When technology, like chatbots or voice assistants, understands and responds in a natural way, it makes interactions more intuitive and user-friendly. It reduces barriers, fosters better communication, and enhances the overall user experience. Natural language is a bridge that makes technology feel more human and accessible.

Natural language plays two roles: input and output. As an input modality, natural language is one of the easiest modalities for people to use. Rather than clicking and swiping, typing or talking is far more natural and requires less cognitive effort for users. It’s typically a quicker interface also, because it consolidates menus and functionality, reducing it to words. We also speak faster than we type, so a voice input is typically the easiest of all to use. NL is a simple output modality for people to understand but it’s use case dependant. If you ask Alexa to turn on the heating, the best thing it can do is actually turn on the heating. Things like tables or images are useful outputs too. So use NL where it’s most relevant.

Add a layer of user persona profiles to that mix. Knowing who you're chatting with is as crucial as knowing why. Plus, sprinkle in some competitive analysis. See what others have cooked up and where they've missed the mark—this is your golden ticket to outshine and resonate more deeply with users. ????

Just like a conversation, your interface should have a logical flow, and that is why using contextual prompts is critical! Contextual prompts easily guide users through the interaction. By providing relevant suggestions or options based on the user's previous inputs, we can create a more natural and efficient information architecture and user flow.

This part is done at the same time as identifying your intents and putting together your flows. You’ll be using data to inform your intents and mapping out the flows for the intents you’re going to cater for. In order to prioritise the intents you’ll include in your scope, you’ll need to map the structure and hierarchy of all your intents. Some of them you’ll have content for, some you might not.

Regardless of the testing method, many fail to make real improvements, this is why you need to offer context and assistance! Conversational interfaces have the advantage of offering context and assistance in real-time. Use this to your advantage by providing relevant information or suggestions based on the user's inputs. This not only enhances the user experience but also helps them find the information they need faster. So the next time you test and iterate your conversational interface design with real users to ascertain feedback you can at least gain a 4X-10X improvement.

We are only human so design for error handling! Errors are inevitable in any user interaction. Designing conversational interfaces with robust error handling mechanisms ensures that users can recover from errors seamlessly, maintaining the natural flow of information.

In a conversational interface, using clear, simple language, organizing information logically, supporting natural conversations, and adapting to user needs are key. Natural language matters because it fosters user comfort and understanding, creating better user experiences and satisfaction. It's like being a friendly, adaptable guide in the digital world.