AI interfaces and the role of good writing

"If you've used an AI product recently, you probably know that the technology is incredible. The UX? Not so much. Maybe you've gotten comfortable writing prompts or using simple one-click tools. But as AI interfaces start to take different forms, many of them are still kinda hard to figure out. Navigating them can be overwhelming. It doesn't feel like you're using these products so much as deciphering them. The engineering is powerful, but the flows don't make sense."

"If you're lost in an AI user flow, blame the writing. Lots of these tools use unclear labeling, make phony promises, or simply cram interfaces with vague, hyphenated phrases like "AI-enabled." The usability issues make sense, because AI is relatively new. We've seen this happen before. Think about the first time you tapped on a smartphone. Or the first time you sent an email. Every big shift takes a little getting used to."

"The solution: good UX writing. Smart, strategic, honest language that keeps users clear and makes products simpler. It's more important than ever. So if you're designing an AI product, here are some things to consider. Define your audience And do it before you write. The first step of writing is understanding your reader. This decision will influence the way you write. It'll also influence your feature set and product roadmap."

AI technology delivers powerful capabilities while many interfaces remain confusing due to unclear writing. Poor labels, vague claims, and jargon create overwhelming user flows. Usability problems are common with new technologies as interaction patterns evolve. Effective UX writing uses honest, strategic language to keep users clear and simplify products. Writing decisions should start with a defined audience and inform feature sets and roadmaps. Product teams should decide where AI lives within the product and shape strategy and architecture before adding AI language or icons. Thoughtful writing and alignment improve usability and user trust.

Read at Medium