Discord Chatbot

The multipurpose bot built to deliver a better user experience

    • OVERVIEW

    About the project

    The Discord chatbot is a hobby-driven project made for the same client as the "Game Studio Website". The chatbot known as SaikouBot offers its community multipurpose functionality tackling everything that could be needed, from moderation to fun commands. The bot is developed using TypeScript and Node.JS, implementing the Discord.js dependency primarily, with utilisation of various other libraries and tools such as MongoDB for the database.

    WHEN WAS THIS?

    28th July, 2022

    WHAT'D I DO?

    Programmed a Discord bot, integrating databases and version control.

    Tools Used

    BACKSTORY

    The Problem

    Create an easy to use chatbot that can provide endless entertainment and improves the overall user experience.

    The client noted that engagement with the community could be improved and that server staff were struggling to enforce server rules. Incorporating a bot that provides fun features for its community and auto-moderation functionality is a way of solving this.

    Design & Implementation

    The solution backed by research.

    MODERATION

    Automated Rule Enforcement

    By implementing SaikouBot's automated moderation features, the community's staff team can shift their focus from dealing with trolls or bad actors to assisting members with questions or queries. This not only reduces their stress and workload but also helps to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone on the server. SaikouBot offers a comprehensive range of over ten automated moderation triggers to ensure the server's security and fun.

    USER ENGAGEMENT

    Fun Commands

    Eight fun commands were developed to provide community members with endless entertainment and to give them a reason to return to the server. These commands were carefully curated and designed to maintain engagement, such as a dedicated trivia system with a leaderboard where members can compete for prizes.

    INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

    Bringing People Together

    Relying on the Google Translate API, SaikouBot has brought people together by having a built-in translate feature, providing members the opportunity to effortlessly have conversations with one another, no matter their language. This feature gives members a sense of belonging even if server members predominately speak English, which is an essential factor in improving the user experience.

    Real Results

    In a feedback survey posted in February 2023, the Discord server and chatbot was reviewed by 11 community members to provide their honest feedback. The results demonstrated that the bot was a huge success.

    Auto Mod

    81.82% Satisfied

    Ease of Use

    90.91% Satisfied

    Bugs & Issues

    100% Satisfied

    REFLECTION

    Project Learnings

    1. Version control is important

    As multiple updates were being pushed to the bot, it was essential to have backups of stable versions of the project for when application-breaking bugs appeared. This came in handy several times as the bot had to be reverted to older versions.

    2. Feedback is essential

    During the development phase of many features, I consolidated with the community to find out their wants and needs, which adapted how I tackled certain additions to the bot. When it involved staff features, I also took it as an opportunity to research other servers and what they do to make well-informed decisions.

    3. Backup data

    This project utilised a MongoDB database which often added, modified or deleted data. Through this project I learnt to have a backup of data in the event of corruption or the code updating documents in the database incorrectly which can be easily reverted to where necessary.