BBC News Labs has developed BotBuilder, a tool for creating and managing chatbots. BotBuilder allows journalists to build chatbots that deliver news in a conversational manner, offering a new way for audiences to engage with content. The tool is designed to be user-friendly, with drag-and-drop functionality and no coding required, making it accessible to all members of a news team.
The BotBuilder project began as a response to the growing trend of news consumption via messaging apps. The tool was initially tested during the UK general election, with the chatbot providing updates and answering users’ questions about the election. The feedback was positive, with users appreciating the conversational tone and personalised news delivery.
BotBuilder also includes a feature for creating quizzes, offering an interactive way for audiences to test their knowledge on a particular topic. The tool’s potential for engagement is significant, as it offers a fresh approach to news delivery. BBC News Labs continues to explore new ways of using chatbots to enhance the news experience.
Despite the success, there are challenges. One of the main issues is maintaining the balance between automation and human oversight. While chatbots can deliver news quickly, ensuring the accuracy and context of the information remains a human task. The team is working on refining this balance to ensure a seamless user experience.
Go to source article: https://medium.com/bbc-news-labs/bbc-botbuilder-ba8e09b6a2e9