Overview
Element451 offers two powerful AI-driven tools to enhance student engagement and support: Bolt Discovery and Bolt Agents. While both leverage advanced AI technology, they serve different purposes within the higher education ecosystem.
This article offers a comparison to help you understand when and how to use each tool effectively.
Use both Bolt Discovery and Bolt Agents to unlock the full potential of Bolt AI, the AI platform that runs Element451. They complement each other perfectly, delivering unmatched efficiency and insight in various use cases.
What are the purposes for each?
Bolt Discovery: Bolt Discovery, Element451's generative search tool, is designed to provide an alternative to traditional website search tools. It leverages your Element451 Bolt Knowledge Base to offer quick, accurate information to students, parents, alumni, and visitors, transforming the search experience into an interactive, AI-powered journey.
Bolt Agents: Bolt Agents are personalized digital team members designed to augment your internal staff by having 1:1 conversations with students, providing tailored support and guidance using the sources in your Element451 Bolt Knowledge Base.
What are the primary use cases for each?
Bolt Discovery: Provides immediate access to information about programs, admissions processes, campus life, or any other aspect of the institution stored in the Element451 Bolt Knowledge Base. It delivers relevant information from your centralized repository, effectively replacing and improving traditional search functions without altering the institution's website structure.
Bolt Agents: Perfect for more complex, nuanced interactions where students need personalized advice or support. Agents can guide students through specific processes, answer individual questions, and provide tailored recommendations.
Key Differences
Access Points + Deployment
Feature |
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Website Embed |
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Direct URL |
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Element451 Pages |
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Replaces Web Search |
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SMS Integration |
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Email Integration |
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WhatsApp Integration |
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Contact Data Access |
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Bolt Discovery
Bolt Agents
Conversation Experience
Feature |
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24/7 Availability |
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Instant Replies |
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Context-Aware |
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Multilingual Support |
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Task-Oriented Skills |
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Follow-Up Prompts |
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Thread Sharing |
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Interaction Type | Direct Q&A and concise information exchanges | Two-way conversational and personalized dialogue |
Personality | Neutral, informative tone focused on efficient information retrieval | Distinct personas tailored to specific roles (e.g., Academic, Admissions) |
Handoffs | Handoff to messenger (Bolt Agents and/human for additional support) | Handoff to other Bolt Agents within the same team or to a human |
Knowledge Access
Feature |
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Bolt Knowledge Base |
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Scope | Access to your complete public knowledge base for comprehensive inquiries | Customizable access to specialized knowledge, scoped by the agent |
Application to the Student Journey
Aspect |
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Student Journey | Designed to support students from initial inquiry through graduation | Designed to support students from initial inquiry through graduation |
Primary Role | Quick information retrieval and website navigation enhancement | Personalized support and guidance in direct conversations |
Conclusion
While Bolt Discovery excels at providing quick, accurate information and improving website navigation, Bolt Agents offer more personalized, in-depth interaction experiences. Both tools work together to create a comprehensive support ecosystem, ensuring that students receive the right level of assistance at every stage of their educational journey.
Please refer to the dedicated articles for detailed information on each feature, including an in-depth look at their capabilities, setup, and best practices.