UI/UX considerations

We keep saying “make it obvious,” but with AI (artificial intelligence) in user apps, obvious takes on new weight. Users don’t trust what they can’t see. If we tuck her away behind clever menus, she feels like a trick. Better to surface her in plain view, even if it feels less elegant.

Show the door

First rule: if a feature exists, show users how to reach it. Don’t bury it three layers down because “they’ll discover it.” They won’t. A simple button labeled “Ask” beats an abstract sparkle icon every time.

Speak in plain words

When she answers, we should keep the language simple. Not “initiating semantic inference.” Just “Here’s what I found.” If we can’t explain it to a friend in one line, the interface is doing too much.

Admit uncertainty

She won’t always be right. Hiding that only makes the miss sting worse. Add a short note like “This may be off” so users know we’re in on it. Think of it like seatbelts—visible, maybe overcautious, but trusted.

Reduce clicks

If the path to her help takes more than one or two taps, we’ve lost half the audience. Put the AI next to the task itself. If someone is editing text, let her sit right there. Context saves clicks.

Transparency builds trust

Usability is the start, transparency is the glue. We should show why she suggested something. A short “Based on your last note” is enough. Users don’t want a white paper; they just want to know she’s not guessing blind.

Sometimes it feels like we’re designing not just a tool, but a relationship. If we treat her like a shadow assistant, users won’t respect her. If we treat her like a co-worker who explains herself, they will.