Chat Interface Guide

Overview

The chat interface is your primary tool for exploring trends across all industries with AI-powered insights in Sila TrueTrends. Get instant analysis, predictions, and recommendations about emerging trends in technology, fashion, consumer goods, sustainability, healthcare, and more.

Accessing the Chat

Starting a New Conversation

1. Click "Chat" in the sidebar navigation
2. Or click "New Chat" button (+ icon)
3. Or use the landing page's centered chat interface

Interface Layout

Chat interface showing message area, input field, suggested queries, and persona indicator

• Message Area: Central area showing the conversation
• Input Field: Bottom text area for typing messages
• Suggested Queries: Quick action buttons above input
• Send Button: Arrow icon or press Enter to send

Chat Features

Message Input

Auto-Expanding Text Area

• Starts as single line
• Automatically expands as you type
• Accommodates long messages
• Maximum height before scrolling

Sending Messages

Different ways to send messages and use multi-line input

Methods:

• Press Enter to send
• Click the Send button (arrow icon)
• Use Shift+Enter for new line without sending

Message Formatting

You can use:

• Plain text for questions
• Multiple sentences or paragraphs
• Natural language - no special syntax needed
• Questions, statements, or commands

AI Assistant Responses

Response Format

Responses include:

• Structured text with clear sections
• Markdown formatting for readability
• Bullet points for lists
• Bold text for emphasis
• Links to related information (if requested by the user in the prompt)

Response Types

• Direct answers to questions
• Analysis and insights
• Trend summaries
• Recommendations
• Follow-up suggestions

Interactive Elements

Suggested Queries

Quick action buttons that appear:

• On landing page for trending topics
• After responses for follow-ups
• Based on context of conversation

How to use:

• Click any suggestion button
• It automatically sends that query
• Saves typing common questions

Related Posts

When discussing trends, you may see:

• Social media post examples
• Click to view details
• See engagement metrics
• Understand trend context

Conversation Management

During Conversation

Auto-Scroll Behavior

• Automatically scrolls to new messages
• Maintains position if you scroll up
• Returns to auto-scroll when at bottom
• Smooth scrolling animations

Loading States

While AI is thinking:

• Animated loading indicator appears
• "Thinking" or processing message
• Input temporarily disabled
• Can't send new message until response complete

Error Handling

If something goes wrong:

• Clear error message displayed
• Suggestion for what to try
• Option to retry
• Support contact if persistent

Conversation Persistence

Auto-Save

• All conversations save automatically
• No manual save needed
• Persists even if browser closes
• Can resume anytime

Conversation IDs

• Each conversation has unique ID
• Visible in URL when active
• Used to resume specific chats
• Share URL to share conversation (if permitted)

Effective Communication

Best Practices for Questions

Be Specific

Good:

• "What are the trending technologies in renewable energy?"
• "Show me growth trends for sustainable fashion in Q3"
• "Which gaming platforms are gaining popularity with Gen Z?"
• "What healthcare innovations are emerging in telemedicine?"
• "How is AI adoption trending in financial services?"
• "What luxury travel destinations are trending on social media?"

Less Effective:

• "Tell me about trends"
• "What's new?"

Provide Context

Good:

• "I'm developing a fintech app for millennials. What payment trends should I know?"
• "For a fashion brand launch in Asia, what streetwear styles are trending?"
• "What are the emerging technologies in electric vehicle manufacturing?"
• "Which wellness trends are gaining traction in corporate settings?"
• "How is Web3 gaming evolving in the creator economy?"
• "What sustainable beauty components are trending in skincare?"

Less Effective:

• "What's popular?"
• "Tell me about technology"

Use Follow-Ups

Build on previous responses:

1. Start with broad question
2. Ask for specific details
3. Request examples
4. Explore related areas

Types of Queries

Trend Analysis

• "What are the emerging trends in artificial intelligence and machine learning?"
• "How has the remote work trend evolved in tech companies?"
• "What's driving growth in sustainable fashion and circular economy?"
• "Which digital health and telehealth trends are gaining traction?"
• "What beauty and skincare components are trending in K-beauty?"
• "How are NFTs and blockchain trending in the art world?"
• "What real estate technology trends are emerging in smart homes?"

Comparison Queries

• "Compare TikTok growth with Instagram Reels in fashion influencer marketing"
• "What's the difference between Web3 gaming and metaverse social platforms?"
• "Is electric or hydrogen fuel growing faster in automotive innovation?"
• "Compare minimalist vs maximalist interior design trends"
• "Which is trending more: yoga wellness or HIIT fitness programs?"
• "How do fintech trends compare between Europe and Asia?"
• "Compare luxury fashion trends vs fast fashion movements"

Predictive Questions

• "What AI and automation trends are likely to emerge next?"
• "How will the creator economy develop across gaming and entertainment?"
• "What's the forecast for sustainable materials in fashion and packaging?"
• "Which consumer behaviors will shape retail and e-commerce in 2024?"
• "What interior design aesthetics are predicted to trend?"
• "How will healthcare technology evolve with wearables?"
• "What's the future of cryptocurrency and digital payments?"

Deep Dives

• "Explain the demographics behind sustainable fashion and eco-conscious shopping"
• "What drives consumer interest in personalized fitness and health tech?"
• "Show me sentiment analysis for AI adoption in enterprise software"
• "Which age groups prefer subscription services for entertainment and gaming?"
• "How do different regions approach digital wellness and mental health apps?"
• "What's the social sentiment around cryptocurrency and DeFi?"
• "How are luxury brands perceived across different social platforms?"

Advanced Features

Conversation Branching

• Each question creates a path
• Can explore multiple directions
• Return to earlier points
• Build comprehensive understanding

Context Awareness

The AI remembers:

• Previous questions in conversation
• Trends you've explored
• Your areas of interest
• Follow-up context

Multi-Turn Dialogue

Example flow:

1. You: "What are trending technologies in renewable energy?"
2. AI: [Lists trending renewable energy technologies]
3. You: "Tell me more about solar panel innovations"
4. AI: [Provides detailed analysis of solar technology trends]
5. You: "What demographics are driving adoption?"
6. AI: [Shows demographic breakdown and regional patterns]

Chat History

Accessing Previous Chats

1. Click "Chat History" in sidebar
2. See all past conversations
3. Search by keywords
4. Filter by date

Resuming Conversations

• Click any conversation card
• Continues exactly where left off
• All context preserved
• Can ask follow-ups days later

Managing History

• Delete unwanted conversations
• Search through all chats
• Export important discussions
• Organize by topics (if available)

Tips and Tricks

Power User Tips

1. Use precise language for better results
2. Ask for examples to understand trends
3. Request data when you need numbers
4. Combine queries for comprehensive analysis
5. Save important insights immediately

Time-Saving Techniques

• Use suggested queries to explore faster
• Copy useful responses for reports
• Bookmark conversations for quick access
• Build on previous questions efficiently

Getting Better Results

• Start broad, then narrow focus
• Ask "why" to understand drivers
• Request specific time periods
• Ask for visual examples
• Seek demographic breakdowns

Common Issues and Solutions

Chat Not Responding

Try:

1. Check internet connection
2. Refresh the page
3. Wait a moment and retry
4. Start new conversation

Responses Seem Off-Topic

Try:

1. Rephrase your question
2. Provide more context
3. Be more specific
4. Start fresh conversation

Can't See Previous Messages

Try:

1. Scroll up in conversation
2. Check chat history
3. Ensure you're logged in
4. Clear browser cache

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Enter: Send message
• Shift+Enter: New line in message
• Escape: Close any open modals
• Ctrl/Cmd+C: Copy selected text
• Ctrl/Cmd+V: Paste text

Mobile Chat Experience

Touch Optimizations

• Tap to focus input field
• Swipe to scroll messages
• Touch and hold to select text
• Pinch to zoom if needed

Mobile-Specific Features

• Keyboard appears automatically
• Voice input (device dependent)
• Responsive layout
• Optimized button sizes

Related Guides

• Chat History Management
• Prompting Best Practices
• Personas Chat Guide
• Troubleshooting Chat Issues