Advancements in Enhancing the "Data Analytics for Business and Economics" Chatbot

Last year marked the inception of an ambitious project led by a group of nine students, focused on elevating the user experience for applicants to the "Data Analytics for Business and Economics" program through the implementation of a comprehensive FAQ chatbot (@datahsebot). In the current academic year, a dedicated team of three students (Ivan Vitkovskiy, Evgenii Galushkin, Alexander Epaneshnikov) under the guidance of Professor Natalia Volkova, has undertaken the responsibility of not only advancing but completely overhauling and refining the existing chatbot.

A New Technological Foundation

Our foremost initiative was a fundamental reimagining of the chatbot's infrastructure. We migrated from the previous library to the “telebot” library, a decision motivated by its advanced features and enhanced API support. This transition provided us with a more robust platform to build upon, enabling greater flexibility and functionality.

A User-Friendly Interface

Recognizing the critical importance of user interface (UI), we introduced a fresh design incorporating intuitive buttons. This UI overhaul aimed at enhancing user navigation, making the chatbot's functionalities more accessible and user-friendly. Our goal was to ensure that users, regardless of their technical proficiency, could seamlessly interact with the chatbot. 

Streamlined Communication

To further refine the user experience, we addressed a significant UI flaw by incorporating a mechanism for the automatic deletion of old messages. This not only contributes to a cleaner and more organized conversation but also prevents information overload for users. The result is a streamlined, clutter-free interaction that focuses on delivering valuable information.

Dynamic Language Switching

A pivotal improvement was the introduction of dynamic language switching. We addressed the critical issue where the "English" option was inaccurately presented in Russian, potentially causing confusion for non-Russian-speaking users. Now, users can effortlessly switch between Russian and English at any point in the conversation, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.

Comprehensive Content Update

Recognizing the evolving nature of the program and its requirements, we undertook a comprehensive update of information across all existing sections. This not only involved refining existing content but also introducing numerous new sections to cater to a wider array of user queries. Our aim was to create a more informative, up-to-date, and engaging experience for applicants.

Seamless Availability

Taking our commitment to accessibility further, we uploaded the chatbot to a virtual server on the "Beget" cloud. This strategic move ensures that the chatbot is operational 24/7 without the need for any manual interference. This uninterrupted availability guarantees that applicants can access the chatbot at their convenience, providing them with timely information whenever they need it.

The text was prepared by Ivan Vitkovskiy.