AI visual language: How to help users spot AI-powered features

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the importance of incorporating visual cues to help users identify and interact with AI-powered features in products and services. It explores various patterns and techniques, such as using sparkles, badges, color palettes, and humanizing AI, to enhance the user experience and make AI-driven functionality more intuitive and accessible.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Real-world applications of AI visual cues

1. What are some user scenarios where AI visual cues can be helpful?

• Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI visual cues can help users identify AI-generated responses and suggestions, differentiating between AI and human interactions.
• Personalized Recommendations: In online stores, streaming services, and social media platforms, AI visual cues can highlight AI-driven recommendations, letting users know that content has been personalized for them.
• AI-Powered Analytics and Insights: In analytics dashboards and reports, AI visual cues can differentiate between AI-generated insights and traditional data analysis, making it easier for users to understand the implications.
• Intelligent Search and Filtering: Visual cues can indicate when AI has refined results when searching or filtering content, helping users find relevant content more efficiently.

2. How does the article mention that the application of AI visual cues extends beyond the examples provided? The article states that while it mentioned a handful of user scenarios, the application of AI visual cues extends far beyond these examples. It notes that as technology evolves and new use cases emerge, the need for clear and user-friendly AI identification will only grow.

[02] Specific patterns to introduce AI-powered features

1. What are the different visual patterns the article discusses for identifying AI-powered features? The article discusses the following visual patterns:

• ✨ Sparkles: This icon has become synonymous with AI features, representing the innovative and transformative power of AI.
• Badges (with or without icons): Text badges with short labels help users identify AI features, providing context by showing when content is AI-made or a feature uses AI.
• Colour Palettes: Purple and green have emerged as popular color choices for AI applications, with purple being the most common.
• Naming and Humanizing: Giving AI features names and personas transforms human-computer interaction, allowing users to engage with technology more naturally and flexibly.

2. What are the potential challenges and limitations mentioned in the article when incorporating AI visual cues? The article mentions the following challenges:

• Cultural differences: Visual cues may be perceived differently across cultures, and research and testing across different demographics is necessary to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
• Varying levels of computer literacy: Subtle indicators like sparkle icons may be sufficient for tech-savvy users, but more explicit cues, such as badges or labels, might be necessary for those less familiar with AI technology.

[03] Final thoughts

1. What is the key aspect the article emphasizes when rethinking interaction patterns for AI-powered features? The article emphasizes that the goal is not just to adapt to AI, but to harness its full potential in creating more engaging, intuitive, and effective user experiences. It stresses the importance of asking questions about how a feature should function, why it should work that way, and whether it genuinely benefits the user, rather than simply adding AI features for the sake of innovation.

2. What additional resources does the article recommend for further exploration of this topic? The article recommends the following resources for further exploration:

• "AI for Designers" IxDF course by Ioana Teleanu
• "Design Patterns for AI UX" IxDF webinar by Vitaly Friedman
• "Accessible and Inclusive Design Patterns" IxDF webinar by Vitaly Friedman