🧂Why AI Products Need Better Design More Than Ever

Hey there. Happy Saturday! Today, I want to share some thoughts on designing for AI products.

As chat-based AI experiences become more prominent, many assume there’s minimal UX to design. While having a robust distribution channel and leveraging data as moats are essential differentiators for AI companies, great design can make a product stand out in the crowded AI landscape—especially as startups aim to scale.

I've noticed too many AI products resemble OpenAI: similar logos, interfaces, and overall experiences. Since AI experiences rely heavily on backend systems that deliver powerful results in chat interactions, creating a unique brand, UI, and interaction is crucial for differentiation.

Designers with a strong sense of branding and visuals can elevate an AI product, making it memorable. Here are a few areas where designers can make a difference, even with products similar to OpenAI:

1. A UI That Connects With the Brand

OpenAI’s branding is minimalist: black, gray, and white. It works for them because they pioneered the space and are widely recognized. However, products like Claude and Pi distinguish themselves with simple changes—using unique brand colors, typography, and interfaces that create memorable experiences. A UI that aligns with the brand while adding personality makes a product noticeable and encourages users to return.

2. The Waiting/Loading Experience

AI often takes time to process complex tasks. While it’s technically impressive for AI to take 12 seconds to complete a task, users perceive this as waiting time. Design can transform waiting into an enjoyable experience. Adding meaningful animations or offering insights, like “Analyzing 40 sources for the best answer,” can enhance user perception.

3. Layout and Composition

I once had an AI founder ask where to place the AI chat in his e-commerce product. Typically, the chat is placed in the bottom right, resembling a standard customer support bot. But understanding context, user mindset, and focus can inform decisions on whether navigation, history, or chat should be visible, hidden, or relocated. Small adjustments to layout can make the experience distinctive and memorable.

4. Unique Typography and Interaction

Unique typography is like dressing differently. If everyone wears black T-shirts, it’s hard to tell them apart. But someone in a bright red shirt and white pants stands out. Typography and interaction design offer opportunities for differentiation. Subtle changes in how users interact with your product, or through unique micro-interactions, can make the experience memorable.

5. Contextual References

Many AI products have almost identical interfaces, with minimal onboarding or meaningful context. They provide a chat interface that, while functional, misses opportunities to build a relationship with users. To make an AI product stand out, it’s not just about functionality—it’s about resonating with users and fostering connections. Anticipating user needs, remembering preferences, and offering help at the right time can contribute to a more seamless and delightful experience.

Summary

AI doesn’t have to be confined to chat or activated by a click. The best way to connect with users might be to assist them effortlessly or surprise them with personality. How can we, as designers, impress users and make them feel understood by AI? I believe there’s still vast potential for designers to elevate AI products today—through thoughtful, strategic design that transcends functionality and creates memorable experiences.

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