Many businesses, developers, and UX design studios have rushed to implement AI chatbots without questioning whether the usual design approaches actually help users.

After researching and building chatbots for various clients, we’ve noticed 3 common patterns that often create problems. In this article, we’ll show you why these patterns fall short and how to replace them with more engaging, user-friendly chatbot designs.

Let's examine three common patterns that deserve a critical second look:

‍

1. The Intimidating Blank Canvas

Problem: Opening a chatbot to an empty input field with a simple “Type anything” prompt can feel like facing a blank page. Users often experience writer’s block, unsure how to begin or what the AI can really do.

Why It’s Outdated:

• User Paralysis: Infinite possibilities are more paralyzing than empowering.
• Lack of Guidance: Users don’t always know the chatbot’s capabilities—or the best ways to phrase their questions.

‍Do this Instead:

• Provide Contextual Suggestions: Offer hints, sample queries, or guided prompts to inspire the user’s first step.
• Narrow the Focus: Instead of trying to be an all-in-one solution, your chatbot can specialize in certain tasks, much like Google’s search suggestions or refined categories.
• Leverage Progressive Disclosure: Reveal advanced features or deeper functionality once the user has become comfortable with basic interactions.

‍

2. The Unnecessary “AI” Badge

Problem: Labels like “Powered by AI” or “Ask AI” once seemed futuristic and innovative, but they have become the equivalent of “Made with HTML” badges from the early web era.

Why It’s Outdated:

• Overemphasizes Technology Over Value: Users care about outcomes - speed, clarity, and accuracy - rather than the underlying technology.
• Loses Trust if Overhyped:  Overuse of “AI” might set expectations that can be hard to fulfill or may lead to disappointment.

‍Do this Instead:

• Focus on Usefulness: Use clear, action-oriented labels such as “Summarize,” “Get Insights,” or “Find Answers.”
• Highlight the Benefit: Let the chatbot’s actions speak for themselves. For instance, “Generate a brief” or “Improve my text” can help the user immediately understand the feature’s value.

‍

3. The Technical Language Barrier

Problem: Industry jargon like “prompt engineering” or “prompts” has seeped into mainstream interfaces. Users who aren’t tech-savvy may find these terms confusing or intimidating.

Why It’s Outdated:

• Excludes Non-Technical Users: Jargon creates an unnecessary learning curve.
• Distracts from Core Tasks: Users want results, not lessons in AI nomenclature.

Do this Instead:

• Speak Their Language: Replace “Enter your prompt” with friendlier language like “Ask a question” or “Type your request.”
• Outcome-Oriented Instructions: Phrases like “Start here” or “What do you want to achieve?” keep users focused on goals rather than technical processes.

‍

Just as we don’t label a feature as “powered by a database,” chatbots function best when they blend naturally into the user’s workflow.

‍

Moving Forward: Prioritizing the User Experience

Effective AI chatbots should be practically invisible, seamlessly supporting users without drawing attention to their inner workings.

• Adopt a User-First Mindset: Every design choice should answer the question, “Does this help the user achieve their goal?”
• Iterate Through Real-World Testing: Gather user feedback and refine conversational flows to ensure clarity, usefulness, and delight.
• Respect Context and Constraints: A chatbot’s domain might be broad, but guiding users toward the tasks it does best leads to higher satisfaction.

By questioning outdated patterns and embracing a user-centric approach, UX design studios can create AI chatbot experiences that are helpful, intuitive, and genuinely responsive to user needs. After all, the best AI integrations solve real problems—without making users feel like they’re navigating a tech demo.

‍

Looking to refine your AI chatbot design?

Koi Studios specializes in creating intelligent, user-focused interfaces that make technology effortlessly accessible. Book a call to learn how we can help elevate your AI chatbot experience.

‍