Building Siri Shortcuts: Accepting User Input with Intents
Siri Shortcuts are a powerful tool that allows users to automate tasks and interact with their devices using voice commands. A key aspect of this automation is the ability to accept user input, making shortcuts dynamic and adaptable.
This article delves into the process of creating a Siri Intent that accepts user input, effectively enabling your Shortcuts to respond to user requests in a personalized and intelligent way.
The Problem: Static Shortcuts vs. Dynamic Input
Imagine you have a Shortcut that sends a pre-defined message to your friend. This works well, but what if you want to send different messages depending on the situation? Manually changing the message for each scenario is tedious. This is where the need for user input arises.
The Solution: Building a Dynamic Shortcut with Intents
Intents are the backbone of dynamic Siri Shortcuts. They allow your shortcut to understand and respond to specific requests from the user.
Here's a simple example:
// Intent definition in the Shortcut
// This intent accepts a text input called "message"
IntentDefinition {
Name = "Send Custom Message"
Input = {
message = { Type = "Text" }
}
}
// Action within the Shortcut
// Uses the input "message" to send a personalized message
Send Message {
Recipient = "[email protected]"
Message = "Hey! " + message
}
Explanation:
- The
IntentDefinitionspecifies the intent's name and the type of input it accepts. Here, it accepts a text input namedmessage. - The
Send Messageaction then uses themessageinput variable to personalize the message sent to your friend.
Beyond Text: Expanding Input Options
Intents are incredibly versatile, accepting various data types beyond just text:
- Numbers: Get user input for quantities, calculations, or durations.
- Dates: Allow users to specify dates for reminders, appointments, or events.
- Locations: Obtain user-defined locations for navigation, search, or weather queries.
- Images: Capture user-provided images for processing or sharing.
- URLs: Accept URLs for opening web pages or accessing online content.
Building Your First Intent-Based Shortcut
- Open Shortcuts App: Launch the Shortcuts app on your iOS device.
- Create a New Shortcut: Tap the "+" button to create a new shortcut.
- Add an "Ask for Input" Action: Select "Ask for Input" from the Actions list.
- Configure Input Type: Choose the appropriate data type for your intent, such as "Text," "Number," or "Location."
- Name the Input: Give the input a descriptive name, like "message," "quantity," or "location."
- Add Subsequent Actions: Use the input variable in subsequent actions within your shortcut to personalize its behavior.
- Save the Shortcut: Save your shortcut and give it a descriptive name.
- Test Your Shortcut: Use Siri to activate your shortcut and provide the required input.
Additional Tips
- Use Clear Prompts: In the "Ask for Input" action, provide a clear prompt for the user, explaining the desired input.
- Handle Missing Input: Consider implementing error handling for cases where the user fails to provide an input.
- Use Input for Conditional Logic: Leverage the input variable to control the flow of your shortcut using conditional statements (If/Else).
Conclusion
By incorporating intents into your Siri Shortcuts, you empower users to personalize their experience and interact with your shortcuts in a more dynamic and meaningful way. Explore the diverse input types and the vast possibilities of intent-driven Shortcuts to create truly engaging and user-friendly experiences.
