Voice UI
September 8, 2022

Haiku Reader

Haiku Reader, a fun and simple voice user interface skill that provides users with a random haiku on request. I created multi-line haikus for voice interface and generated over user samples utterances for the voice system to recognize and launch the skill.

Echo Dot

The Challenge

Provide users with a random, spoken haiku upon request.

The Process

I created a database of multi-line responses that can be read with appropriate pauses and breaks, a custom help message, and relevant utterances for the main intent. I tested and revised the skill utterances and responses, and validated and submitted for certification.

The Result

A functioning voice skill that provides a fun (and thought-provoking) way for users to interact with Alexa.

Response database

In order to provide a random haiku, I needed to create a database of haiku responses. These were multi-line responses, and therefore needed pauses and breaks between the lines to sound more natural.

Haiku Reader skill code and database

Utterances

Next I needed to create sample utterances with supported launch words that reflect phrases users might logically use to interact with the skill. Specifically, these utterances were for the main intent, or the task the user is trying to accomplish, of the skill. For Haiku Reader, this is the GetHaikuIntent, which is the only intent of the skill. For this task, I tried to think of as many ways and different phrases that a user would try to launch the skill for a complete list of utterances.

GetHaikuIntent sample utterances

Testing and validation

With the skill now ready to launch, I conducted some basic initial testing, noting issues and using feedback to revise utterances and responses. Finally, I validated the skill in the Alexa Development Console, and it was ready to be certified.

Initial testing results and fixes

Retrospective

This was a relatively simple, first voice skill that was useful in demonstrating the process of creating and launching Alexa voice skills. I was able to test it on my linked Echo Dot without certifying the skill. I made some fixes, and otherwise it worked without major issues. Because the skill is similar to other skills in the Alexa Skill Shop, they were not able to certify it, so it is not available to the general public. However, it served as a simple and easy introduction to the Alexa skills development process.

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