Creating custom scenario types

Administrators can create new scenario types to support discipline-specific or organisation-specific training. Custom types allow you to define the AI’s core behaviour once, and then reuse it across many scenarios.

To create a custom scenario type:

1. Go to Settings → Scenario types
2. Select Add scenario type
3. Enter a name and description
4. Configure the AI behaviour
5. Select Create scenario type

Your new type will appear in the “My organisation” section and can be used immediately when creating scenarios.

Basic settings

When creating a scenario type, you must provide:

Name

The display name learners and authors will see (e.g. “Breaking bad news”, “Safeguarding conversations”, “Technical support”).

Description

A short explanation of what this type is used for.

These details help authors choose the appropriate type when building scenarios.

AI behaviour configuration

The AI behaviour section defines how the AI character should act in every scenario that uses this type. This includes:

• Guidance for tone and communication style
• Behavioural rules (e.g. remain in character, avoid offering diagnoses, respond with empathy)
• Restrictions (e.g. do not acknowledge being an AI, stay within the scenario scope)
• Personalisation options

This becomes the foundation for all scenarios assigned to this type.

Personalisation tags

Personalisation tags insert dynamic information into the AI’s behaviour instructions, helping simulations feel more authentic:

• {{ user_instructions }} – inserts the learner-visible instructions configured for the scenario
• {{ user_first_name }} – personalises the interaction using the learner’s first name
• {{ todays_date }} – adds the current date for scenarios requiring up-to-date context

You can click a tag to copy it, then paste it into the AI behaviour field.

Templates within scenario types

Each scenario type can include templates to help scenario authors start more quickly. Templates can provide:

• Prewritten user instructions
• Example scripts
• Suggested checklists
• Scenario outlines specific to this type

Templates are optional but improve consistency when multiple authors create scenarios for the same training use case.

When to use custom scenario types

Create a custom scenario type when you need:

• A specific communication structure (e.g. “escalation discussions”, “performance review conversations”)
• Unique rules or restrictions for the AI character
• Specialised assessment frameworks
• A consistent approach across multiple related scenarios

Scenario types ensure your AI interactions behave consistently and support your organisation’s training goals.

If you need help configuring scenario types or designing behaviour rules, the SimChat team can support you.

Updated on: 05/12/2025