Microsoft Viva: Viva Learning - Semantic search support for in-app Searches [MC1036565]

Microsoft Viva: Viva Learning – Semantic search support for in-app Searches [MC1036565]

Message ID: MC1036565

Viva
Learning Search is transitioning to an “intent-based” search from the current
“keyword-based” search. As a part of “intent-based” search, Viva Learning will
understand the core intent of the user query and show learning results based on
user’s intent. Users can interact with Viva Learning Search in their natural
language and get relevant content much easier. 
Intent-based search personalizes the Search experience for the user. 

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 479749

[When this will happen:]

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on mid-March 2025 and expect to complete by late March 2025.

[How this will affect your organization:]

Viva Learning in-app searches are powered by Azure AI search.
Viva Learning semantically understands the content based on Title, Description,
Skill Tags, Keywords attribute of the content. These attributes are ingested
into Viva Learning either from out-of-box connectors like LMS and 3P connectors or pushed into Viva Learning using VLGraph APIs

When a user types a query in Viva Learning search, our
semantic engine understands the user intent and matches it with the content processed
previously. The semantic understanding happens for every user-query separately,
the process is optimized so that users do not see any delay in Search results. 

As Copilot in Viva Learning uses Viva Learning Search
internally, Viva Learning Copilot results and suggestions are also enhanced to
show intent based results. Semantic Search also takes the
“prioritized-provider” configuration into consideration while showing results
for every query.  

Permissions

Semantic search takes all existing permissions (permissions
set in Viva Learning, SharePoint or in LMS if applicable) into consideration
while showing results.

Impacted Surfaces

The following are surfaces are impacted by Semantic Search:

  • Viva Learning Search engine results page
  • Viva Learning Copilot
  • Content Curation Modals in
    • Learning Paths
    • Manage Academies
    • Manage Permissions
    • Feature Set
    • Learning Collections
    • Learning Tab
    • Compose extension in Teams Chat

Language Support

Semantic Search is supported in all languages
supported by Viva Learning
.

Responsible AI: Please find Azure AI Search transparency note here.

The Microsoft Search team handles Viva Learning results in
Microsoft 365 search surfaces (such as SharePoint and Bing@Work). Therefore,
in-app Semantic Search results may differ from those in non-Viva Learning
surfaces.

[What you need to do to prepare:]

Since Semantic Search relies on content titles,
descriptions, skill tags, and keywords, Viva Learning recommends that learning
curators enrich their content with detailed information on these attributes.
This will help our semantic engine better understand the content and provide
more accurate suggestions for user queries.

Source: Microsoft

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1 Comment

  1. Mike Rosoft

    The recent update to Microsoft Viva Learning, introducing intent-based semantic search, is set to revolutionize the way both admins and users interact with learning content. This transition from a keyword-based to an intent-based search means that users will now be able to express their queries in natural language, allowing Viva Learning to better understand and respond to their specific needs.

    For users, this is a game-changer. No longer will they need to navigate through a maze of keywords; instead, they can simply ask what they are looking for, and the platform will deliver tailored results based on their intent. This personalization not only enhances the user experience but also boosts engagement and learning outcomes. Imagine asking, “How do I improve my public speaking skills?” and getting a curated list of relevant courses and resources right at your fingertips!

    On the other hand, admins will find that this update places a greater emphasis on content quality and curation. With the semantic search relying on detailed content attributes such as titles, descriptions, and skill tags, it becomes crucial for admins to enrich their content accordingly. The more precise and informative the metadata, the better the search results will be. This may require some additional effort upfront, but the payoff in user satisfaction and learning effectiveness makes it well worth it.

    Overall, the impact of these changes is likely to be significant. Users will benefit from a more intuitive and responsive search experience, while admins will have an opportunity to refine their content strategy. As we look ahead to the rollout set for mid-March 2025, it’s clear that both groups stand to gain from this evolution in the platform.

    What are your thoughts on these changes? Do you think intent-based search will make a difference in your learning experience? Feel free to share your opinions below, and let’s get the conversation going! For more insights on Microsoft Viva and other updates, check out more posts at mwpro.co.uk.

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