Product DesignMar 28, 20266 min read
Why the chat surface should stay plain
A design note on restraint, density, and why AI products work better when the interface does less performing.
01
The output is the visual center
AI tools are reading tools as much as writing tools. The interface should make generated text, source snippets, code, and attachments easier to scan.
02
Controls should be close to intent
Settings are useful when they sit near the decision they affect. Model choice, file attachment, search, and export controls should not require a tour of the product.
03
Restraint creates room for judgment
A quiet surface lets the user notice weak claims, missing context, and better follow-up questions. That matters more than decorative excitement.