Take ChatGPT as an example. Beyond plain text, it can also produce tables, images, charts, code snippets, videos, and content cards.

One way to unlock these formats is to be explicit in the prompt — say, asking the AI to present the answer as a flowchart. But this puts the burden back on the user, who now has to master structured prompting and understand how content should align with different formats.

The second is to let the AI decide, having the system choose the appropriate presentation based on the generated content’s characteristics. This points to a major trend in future interfaces — Generative UI.

In this model, AI doesn’t just generate content, it simultaneously decides and renders the most fitting presentation container, truly merging output with interface for genuine personalization.

But before Generative UI becomes reality, the chat box stays out of control.

Category error

Dave Edwards, founder of Artificiality, offered a thought-provoking metaphor that most digital products fall into one of two categories:

Windows: they connect users to external information and resources — think Tripadvisor, Airbnb, or Spotify.

Rooms: they provide spaces for work, collaboration, and creation — tools like Figma, Photoshop, or PowerPoint.