Designing User Experiences (UX/UI) for Generative AI

By now, most of us have encountered generative AI in one form or another. It’s revolutionizing how we engage with digital platforms, offering instant information retrieval and synthesis, producing text, visuals, and music in various styles, and even interpreting complex data. Beyond that, it’s capable of generating code and seamlessly integrating with software to craft entirely new user experiences.

For product designers, the impact is profound. As usability expert Jakob Nielsen highlights, "AI systems are on the verge of introducing the third user-interface paradigm in computing history—the first significant shift in over 60 years" (source). Traditionally, users have navigated computers using structured inputs like boxes, dropdown menus, and buttons. But now, generative AI allows for interaction through natural language, unlocking immense possibilities for creating more intuitive and simplified user experiences.

So, what does this mean for design? If you're developing a generative AI tool for your software, consider these guiding principles to craft user-friendly and innovative experiences.

Principle #1: Provide User Support in the Design

When talking to users about generative AI tools, a few common concerns often come up: “What can I ask the AI to do?”, “Will it understand the way I speak?”, or “I don’t know what to say!” This uncertainty, known as the "articulation barrier," poses a significant usability challenge for AI tools (source). Designing with this in mind is crucial for helping users feel confident and comfortable when interacting with AI.

Here are a few design strategies to address this challenge:

• Offer Prompt Examples or a Library: Give users a starting point with examples or a prompt library to guide those unsure of how to begin.

• Include Instructional Text: Provide clear guidance on how to effectively interact with the model, including tips on using specific keywords or phrases that the AI responds well to.

• Explore Alternative Inputs: If natural language prompts feel too daunting, consider other input methods like image prompts or pre-written options to make the interaction more accessible and intuitive.

By supporting users in this way, the design can bridge the gap between what users want and what AI can deliver, making the experience smoother and more effective.

Principle #2: Empower Users with Control in Design

Generative AI models, by nature, can be unpredictable and even produce inaccurate or misleading information, a phenomenon known as "hallucination." Additionally, the AI's output may not always align with user expectations, leading to frustration. To keep users engaged and satisfied, it’s essential to design an experience that helps them feel in control, even in the face of unpredictability.

Here are a few design approaches to foster that sense of control:

• Be Transparent: Include disclaimers to inform users that the technology is experimental and may not always be accurate. This transparency can manage user expectations and reduce disappointment.

• Provide Multiple Output Options: Allow users to choose from different AI-generated results. Giving them alternatives enhances their sense of control when the output may not be perfect.

• Enable User Feedback: Build a feedback mechanism into the design, allowing users to contribute to refining and training the model over time.

• Allow Refinements and Edits: Create a conversational user experience where users can refine the AI's output. Let them edit results using familiar interfaces or clearly mark outputs as drafts, reinforcing that the AI's output is just a starting point, not the final solution.

By implementing these strategies, the design can help users feel more in control, which can lead to greater confidence, engagement, and trust in AI tools.

Principle #3: Cultivate a Sense of Wonder Through Design

One of the most powerful aspects of generative AI is its ability to amaze and inspire users. It can deliver results faster than humans and often surprises us with creative outputs we might never have imagined. While the unpredictable nature of AI can sometimes be unsettling, it also holds the potential to captivate users through its novelty and variability.

Here are some ways to highlight this sense of magic in your design:

• Use Micro-Interactions and Animations: Incorporate subtle animations, playful icons, or interactive UI elements like a "sparkle" icon to create excitement and enhance the user experience.

• Design Engaging Loading States: Since AI processes can sometimes be lengthy, use the loading time to build anticipation with engaging visuals or interactive elements that frame the wait as part of the exciting process.

• Encourage Curiosity and Exploration: Introduce teasers or gamified elements that invite users to discover more about the AI’s capabilities, fostering a sense of curiosity and encouraging further interaction.

By designing in ways that emphasize the AI's potential to surprise and delight, you can create an experience that keeps users coming back, not just for the utility, but for the wonder and excitement it generates.

When designing a user experience for generative AI, it’s essential to focus on guiding users through this evolving landscape with both clarity and excitement. The experience should be functional, ensuring ease of use, while also captivating, tapping into the wonder of AI’s creative potential. With the rapid pace of change in generative AI, designers must stay ahead of shifting user expectations and technological innovations. Though the challenge is significant, it’s also an incredibly thrilling opportunity for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of design.

If you're excited by the prospect of exploring generative AI design, consider applying to join the design team at Authentic Digital Solutions.