A number of concepts need to be known to the developer when creating TDM Dialogue Domain Descriptions (DDDs).

We recommend new developers to start by reading the introductory presentation by Alexander and studying the basic concepts below.

After that, work through the tutorial for hands on practice, or skip straight to the example DDDs

Actions

An action is requested by the user and performed by the system. It may or may not require a number of answers in order to be performed. Example:

U> Call.

or

U> Call John.

Queries

A query is asked by the user or the system, when they want a piece of information. It can be formulated as a question, or as a request. Similar to an action, it may or may not require a number of answers in order to be answered.

U> What is John's number?

or

U> Tell me John's number.

Answers

An answer is provided by the user or the system, providing information that is relevant for a question or request. When provided by the user, it can be resolving or not. If the question is about a contact, the following would be an answer:

U> John

Feedback

Feedback is given by the system to inform the user. For example that actions have been performed, that the system did not hear what the user said, etc.

S> Calling John.

or

S> I did not hear.