How AI writing tools fail to speak to writers

"Several ads promise help with finding ideas at the start of a writing project. Examples include "Say goodbye to blank-page scaries and jump-start ideas faster", " Start your best draft with this AI lineup", and "Jump-Start Ideas With Grammarly's AI Brainstorming Features". The latter ad shows a brainstorming button that generates high-level essay content for a user-provided topic. I like that it offers possible directions without dictating details."

"As shown in the ad, users are expected to immediately copy an AI-provided idea. This workflow seems unlikely to appeal to people who enjoy exploring many ideas before committing one to the page. Alternative design direction: How might we design for a closer integration of ideation and writing? Of canvas and page? What if the AI's role were to facilitate transitions between these processes, or to provide a substrate for exploration and iteration, rather than simply generating text to copy?"

"Another group of ads focuses on writing as communication, such as "Put your best foot forward", "Send the right message", "Get heads nodding on your first email instead of your fifth", and "Communicate clearly, come across as you intend, and strengthen work relationships". Fittingly, these ads feature people rather than interfaces, highlighting the promise that AI will help the user be perceived positively."

AI writing tools primarily target students and professionals, with ideation emerging as a shared use case. Several ads promise rapid idea generation and include features like AI brainstorming buttons that produce high-level essay content, but current UI constrains exploration by confining suggestions to cramped chatbox pop-ups without editing or comparison tools. The typical workflow encourages immediate copying of generated ideas, which may not suit users who prefer iterative exploration. An alternative design direction proposes closer integration between ideation and drafting, enabling AI to facilitate transitions between canvas and page and to act as a substrate for exploration and iteration. Other ads emphasize communication and polished perception.

Read at Medium