User interaction in the age of AI

The best technology often fades into the background, letting you focus on what you want to accomplish rather than how to use it. Think about using a GPS — it doesn't demand you know every road, turn, and even the exact phrasing of your destination. You simply provide the end goal in the form of a destination and it interprets the rest. This is a great example of a seamless interaction, since intelligence is being used to fill the gaps using just enough information to do its job well. Contrast this with the chatbots we now see everywhere, where most interactions begin with the question "What can I help you with?" The potential here is huge, but it is entirely on you to know what to say and how to ask it.

As AI models continue to advance and grow even smarter, the implementation of user interfaces and the front end layer is where this technology can either feel natural and powerful or confusing and useless. The most revolutionary technologies in recent times have succeeded not solely for what they can do, but because of how naturally people can interact with them.

The most delightful implementations of useful AI applications in the near future will involve interfaces guiding people through its capabilities through suggesting and surfacing useful patterns and layouts. This will ensure AI can truly be accessible to anyone, not just to those skilled at crafting prompts or that know all of the right things to say. Perhaps the most exciting role interfaces can play is in fostering entirely new forms of interaction, a world where interfaces can evolve dynamically to truly be a seamless extension of human potential.