Ask Question Cards

The Ask Question group (ask_text, ask_number, ask_phone, ask_email, ask_date, ask_location) sends a prompt to the customer and pauses bot execution until a valid input is received.

Supported Question Types

Card Type	Validation Rule	Auto-Retry Prompt
`ask_text`	Captures any non-empty text string	-
`ask_number`	Validates numeric value within min/max bounds	"Please provide a valid number."
`ask_phone`	Validates E.164 phone number format	"Please enter a valid 10-digit mobile number."
`ask_email`	Validates RFC-5322 email syntax	"Please enter a valid email address."
`ask_date`	Normalizes text to ISO `YYYY-MM-DD`	"Please specify a valid date (e.g., DD/MM/YYYY)."
`ask_location`	Expects WhatsApp location pin payload	"Please share your location using the WhatsApp attach menu."

Configuration Parameters

prompt_text: The question sent to the customer.
variable_name: Target variable key where the validated answer will be stored in workflow memory (e.g. patient_age, preferred_date).
max_retries: Number of invalid attempts before triggering the fallback branch (default: 3).
timing.delay: Optional pre-execution delay with typing indicator (e.g., { enabled: true, duration: 1, unit: "seconds", typingIndicator: true }).
timing.timeout: Automated inactivity timeout and fallback routing (e.g., { enabled: true, duration: 15, unit: "minutes", action: "goto_node" | "handoff" | "end", fallbackNodeId: "node_handoff" }).

Response Timeout & Lead Drop-off Recovery

If a user goes idle without responding to a question, the response timeout automatically rescues the session:

Branch to Node (goto_node): Routes to a polite reminder or alternate questionnaire.
Handoff to Human (handoff): Immediately transfers the chat to the live team queue so agents can follow up.
End Flow (end): Concludes the conversation cleanly.

Note: If the user replies before the timer expires, the pending timeout is atomically invalidated.
📖 See the complete Node Delay & Timeout System Guide.

Output Data Schema (Codex)

{
  "variable_key": "patient_age",
  "raw_input": "34",
  "normalized_value": 34,
  "validation_passed": true,
  "attempts": 1
}