AI as UI: The Shift to Conversational Interfaces

AI as UI: The Shift to Conversational Interfaces

User interfaces have evolved significantly since the early days of computing, transitioning from complex command lines to intuitive graphical interfaces. With the growth of AI, there’s another major shift happening now: many services are moving from graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to conversational user interfaces (CUIs). We’re entering the era of "AI as UI."

AnswerStage CTO, Chip Matthes, addresses this overall trend.

The Rise of Conversational AI

With the growth of ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-Pilot, and many other AI-powered Chatbots, Conversational AI is rapidly becoming a commonly-used interface, but the trend can be traced much further back to the launch of assistants. In 2011, Apple introduced Siri, a voice-activated personal assistant that allowed users to perform tasks through natural language commands. This was a significant milestone that brought conversational interfaces into mainstream consumer technology.

Why Conversational UI is the Future

Conversational UIs offer several advantages that position them as the future of user interaction. They provide a natural mode of communication, leveraging the inherent human ability to speak and understand language. This makes technology more accessible to individuals who may find traditional interfaces challenging, such as the elderly or those with disabilities. Additionally, conversational interfaces can enhance efficiency by allowing users to accomplish tasks through simple verbal or textual commands, reducing the need for navigating complex menus.

AnswerStage: Conversational Video Creation

The trend towards Conversational Interfaces is well-suited for AnswerStage. By engaging users in a Q&A format, AnswerStage leverages AI to understand the user's role and the questions their target audience is asking. It then provides recommended talking points and scripts, which can be used with a teleprompter while recording "answer videos." This approach not only streamlines content creation but also ensures that the messaging is aligned with audience needs. It eliminates the most common impediment to recording a video – what we refer to as “blank slate syndrome”. It’s much easier to record your thoughts when prompted with questions and provided with an outline of talking points.

Challenges and Limitations

While we’re rapidly moving towards Conversational Interfaces, several challenges need to be addressed. Privacy concerns are paramount; users need assurance that their interactions remain confidential and secure. Additionally, while AI has made significant strides, it is not infallible. Misinterpretations, hallucinations and errors can occur, leading to user frustration.

Another significant consideration is the suitability of voice-based conversational interfaces in public or shared environments. Speaking commands or queries aloud is often impractical or uncomfortable when others are present, similar to having a phone conversation in a crowded airport terminal. This not only poses a privacy risk—since sensitive information might be overheard—but can also be socially disruptive. Users may hesitate to use voice commands in open offices, public transportation, or any setting where privacy is a concern.


AI as UI – Conversational Interfaces are the Future

Conversational AI represents a significant advancement toward more human-centric technology interactions. "AI as UI" is about enhancing our engagement with digital systems. As we increasingly interact with AI through conversation—whether by voice or text—we participate in the ongoing evolution of user interfaces. Embracing this shift can lead to more efficient, accessible, and personalized experiences in both personal and professional contexts.