How AI Is Changing App Interfaces
Allen Pike’s Post-Chat UI got me thinking about how weird it is that, after all these years of slick interfaces, we suddenly find ourselves typing into blank boxes again. Remember DOS? ChatGPT brought that vibe back, only this time with way more brains behind the screen. But as Pike points out, just because AI is powerful doesn’t mean chat is the best way to use it.
What really stuck with me from the article is the idea that the best AI features are the ones you barely notice. Instead of having to ask for help, the software just quietly does what you need. Right-click on something and, hey, there’s an AI suggestion. Type a vague question in search and suddenly you’re not hunting for exact keywords. It feels like the software is finally meeting us halfway, instead of making us learn its language.
I love the “Do the Obvious Thing” idea. Why should I have to tell my email app to fix a typo or rename a bunch of messy files? Just do it! The less I have to think about the interface, the more I can actually get things done.
Of course, Pike’s not blind to the risks. If everything changes all the time, how do we learn where things are? The Office “IntelliMenus” disaster is a good reminder that too much magic can just be confusing.
Still, I’m excited. The future Pike describes is one where AI is less of a chatbot and more like a helpful sidekick. It’s not about talking to computers—it’s about them finally understanding what we mean, even when we don’t say it perfectly. If you’re into software, Pike’s piece is worth your time. It’s a glimpse of what’s coming, and honestly, it can’t come soon enough.
Author
Jan
Category
Design
Published date
17 June, 2025
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