How to design AI

Designing AI experiences isn’t about replacing direct manipulation — it’s about enhancing it, layering new interaction models on top of well-established patterns to make interactions smoother, more intuitive, and ultimately, more powerful.

you are refining a request rather than directly altering pixels

We’re likely going to have to reinvent our design processes – working forward to understand capabilities, rather than backwards from user needs.

“With the new AI systems, the user no longer tells the computer what to do. Rather, the user tells the computer what outcome they want”.

It doesn’t need neon “powered by AI” labels; it should weave itself so seamlessly into the user journey that it feels like a natural extension of intent.

you are collaborating with the system to achieve a desired outcome.

I believe a better option is to build a functional application with a more traditional UI and then complement it with AI functions.

Form acts as a way to set the context – like the way an axe looks and feels in your hand, you get an immediate sense of its purpose.

That’s what AI-driven interaction should be: not a feature you have to wrestle with, but an invisible assistant that refines itself around your needs.