Learning mode
Ala learns about you through conversation and stores small typed insights you can review or delete.
Learning mode is how Ala builds a picture of the user over time. It's a small, separate store from memory — narrower in shape and explicitly user-scoped.
Two modes
The system prompt switches between two modes:
| Mode | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Active | Ala runs a guided product tour, narrating each page and pointing the cursor before navigating. Used when the user opts into onboarding. |
| Passive | Ala silently captures relevant facts during normal conversation using the save_learning_insight tool. |
Both modes write to the same store. The difference is whether Ala is leading a tour or just listening.
What gets captured
Each insight is a row in learning_insights:
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
category | One of the predefined learning categories. |
insight | A short, factual sentence. |
source | Defaults to conversation. |
confidence | Float 0–1; lets the runtime weigh uncertain claims lower. |
metadata | Optional JSON for context (e.g. which session it came from). |
Insights are scoped to (orgId, userId) — they never leak across users.
Where insights live
Insights are stored in Postgres alongside the rest of your data, isolated by org. They are not the same as memories:
| Learning insights | Memories | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Always a single user | User, project, agent, or session |
| Shape | Category + short insight | Free-form key/value with assets and sources |
| Used for | Personalizing Ala's tone and content | General-purpose recall in any agent |
Both are recalled into prompts, but learning insights are surfaced specifically to make Ala feel like it knows you.
Reviewing and opting out
The /[orgSlug]/learning page lists every insight, grouped by category, with the option to delete individual entries or wipe the store. Deleting an insight removes it immediately. To stop new insights from being saved, turn learning off in settings — passive capture only runs when the corresponding flag is on.
Boundaries
Ala captures only what's said in conversation. Insights are not derived from page activity, mouse movement, or external sources. Saves are silent; Ala does not narrate them, but you can always see what's stored on the learning page.