Build User Context
The Build User Context block conducts a structured question-and-answer exchange with a user, guided by a prompt you define.
Ask users questions to gather context and clarify input
The Build User Context block conducts a structured question-and-answer exchange with a user, guided by a prompt you define. Rather than accepting a single input and moving on, it iterates through follow-up questions to disambiguate ambiguous requests or collect additional information needed for downstream steps. The prompt field tells the block what it is trying to learn, and the block handles the conversational logic of deciding which questions to ask and when enough information has been gathered.
The block exposes two controls for managing the scope of the exchange: a depth setting with three options — quick, medium, or thorough — and a maxQuestions value that sets a hard ceiling on how many questions can be asked. Output can be formatted as either JSON or Markdown, stored in a destination variable for use later in the workflow.
This block fits into workflows where user input is likely to be vague or incomplete at the start. Common scenarios include report generation, content creation, or any process where the quality of the output depends on understanding specifics about what the user actually wants before proceeding to an AI generation or data processing step.
What you can build
Real-world workflows powered by the Build User Context block.
Report Specification Gathering
Before generating a business report, ask the user targeted questions to determine scope, time range, and format preferences.
Content Brief Collection
Collect details about tone, audience, and key messages before passing a writing brief to a content generation block.
Customer Support Triage
Ask clarifying questions to identify the nature of a support issue before routing the conversation to the appropriate resolution path.
Personalized Recommendation Setup
Gather user preferences and constraints through a short interview before generating a tailored list of recommendations.
Onboarding Profile Building
Walk new users through a series of questions to build a profile that personalizes subsequent workflow behavior.
Search Query Refinement
Clarify an ambiguous search request by asking follow-up questions before executing a database or web search block.
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Get Started FreeCommon questions about Build User Context
What are the required parameters for this block?
The block requires a prompt (a string describing what the block should learn from the user), a destinationVar (the variable where output is stored), an outputFormat (either 'json' or 'markdown'), a depth setting ('quick', 'medium', or 'thorough'), and a maxQuestions value (a number setting the maximum questions that can be asked).
What does the block return?
The block stores its output in the variable specified by destinationVar. The output is formatted as either JSON or Markdown, depending on the outputFormat setting you choose.
How do depth and maxQuestions work together?
The depth setting ('quick', 'medium', or 'thorough') controls the general intensity of the questioning, while maxQuestions sets a hard upper limit on the number of questions asked. The block will stop when it determines the prompt has been sufficiently answered or when the maxQuestions ceiling is reached, whichever comes first.
What kinds of workflows is this block suited for?
This block is suited for workflows where user input at the start is likely to be incomplete or ambiguous. It is commonly placed before generation, search, or data processing blocks that require specific inputs to produce accurate results.
Can I control how many questions the block asks?
Yes. The maxQuestions parameter lets you set a numeric ceiling on the total number of questions asked during the exchange, regardless of the depth setting.
Related capabilities
Start
Specifies how the workflow is invoked
User Input
Prompt the user for one or more pieces of data that will be saved as a variable. Can include text, multiple choice, images, or files.
Run Function
Execute a custom JavaScript or Python function
Chat
Start a chat session with an LLM.
End
End the workflow. Optionally return a structured output (for API) or send notifications.
Jump
Transition to another workflow, maintaining the same scope
Add Build User Context to your workflow
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