For years, we’ve evolved through familiar digital transitions— from CLI to GUIs, GUIs to touchscreens. Now, we’re entering a space where interfaces are increasingly adaptive, context-aware, and powered by AI. This isn’t just about layering AI onto existing interfaces; it’s about building around it. Here’s a look at some new patterns that product managers should consider as Gen AI reshapes digital experiences:
Chat
Lightweight Chat: Chat can be useful for quick access to information or summaries without disrupting the workflow. For example, in Cursor’s AI IDE, developers can ask questions about the codebase directly within their coding environment, accessing answers immediately.
Integrated Chat: Beyond simple chat windows, integrated chat features blend with other core actions. Klaviyo’s segment builder, for instance, lets users define customer segments with natural language, skipping the need for complex logic builders.
2. In-Line Editing
Diff-Based Editing in Code: Tools like Cursor allow users to highlight sections of code and receive targeted changes, with the option to accept or reject each suggestion. This approach could extend to other fields where selective, detailed editing is important.
In-Painting for Visual Content: Platforms like Midjourney let users modify parts of an image selectively, which could be valuable in content creation and media editing. Users could adjust specific image elements without needing to recreate the entire design.
3. Visual Workflows
Node-based editors allow teams to map out workflows visually. Whether it’s creating multi-step onboarding flows or user engagement funnels, node editors make complex paths easier to manage.
APIs and Conditional Prompts in No-Code Platforms: Tools like Vellum.ai integrate API calls and conditional prompts into a single interface, allowing teams to customize workflows without backend development. This approach supports fast iteration and experimentation.
4. UI Primitives
For those who want to go further than basic chat, new UI primitives are adding more flexibility and personalization to Gen AI interfaces:
Select + Edit: Users can modify structured data by highlighting sections and applying prompts. Whether it’s a care plan in healthcare or financial data in SaaS, this approach allows users to make direct changes, with AI generating structured responses that are ready to use.
Inline Suggestions: Inline suggestions act like search suggestions or “Did you mean?” prompts. They can guide users toward better inputs or additional options without requiring extra effort. In a health app, this might mean prompting users to “Add nutrition goals” while they draft a wellness plan.
Personal Context: Gen AI becomes more powerful when it adapts to user-specific data. By integrating personal metrics—like health data from wearable devices—apps can create a more relevant, personalized experience. This makes the app feel smarter and more attuned to individual user needs.
Final Thoughts: Experiment and Iterate
Industry voices are already noticing these shifts. We are transitioning towards interfaces that are inherently AI-native. AI is used to create tiny one-click functionalities that are scoped to a particular task, reducing the mental load for users.
For product managers, the takeaway is clear: don’t just add AI, rethink around it. Each of these patterns—whether diff-based editing, node-based workflows, or in-painting—presents an opportunity to make user interactions simpler and smarter. The formula isn’t set in stone, which is exactly why it’s time to experiment.
We’re at the start of a shift in how users interact with AI-powered systems. The next step is to test these patterns, refine them, and see how they resonate with users. Start small, keep iterating, and build from there.
Get in touch:
Have ideas or experiences with AI-driven UI/UX? Reach out if you’re exploring Gen AI in your product and want to discuss ideas.