Chat Interface
What is a chat interface?
A chat interface is a user interface design pattern that allows users to interact with an AI system through a conversational, back-and-forth format similar to messaging apps like ChatGPT or Claude. In this interface, users type messages and receive responses, enabling multi-turn conversations.
A chat interface can be customized with system prompts, uploaded files, model selection, temperature settings, and rate limiting. These interfaces can be embedded into learning management systems, websites, or other platforms through embed codes.
When should you use a chat interface?
Chat interfaces work well for exploratory conversations and getting help through dialogue. They're effective when users need to ask follow-up questions, clarify concepts, or engage in open-ended discussions with an AI system.
However, chat interfaces may not be the right choice for all AI applications. When you want users to complete a specific task and receive structured feedback—such as uploading a transcript and getting instructor-style critique—a chat interface can actually create problems. Users may expect to have a conversation about the feedback when that wasn't the intended purpose.
What's the alternative to a chat interface?
Instead of defaulting to a chat interface, consider whether your AI application needs a task-specific interface. For example, if the goal is to provide feedback on a specific input (like a customer interview transcript), a form-based interface with a single submission and response might be more appropriate than an ongoing conversation.
The key is to match the interface pattern to the user's actual goal, rather than choosing a chat interface simply because it's a familiar AI interaction pattern.
Learn more:
- AI Prototyping - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille
- Behind the Scenes: Building the Product Talk Interview Coach
- AI Changes Everything (And Nothing At All)
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