Don't Start with a Blank Slate: The Power of AI Icebreakers
As designers, we've all felt the anxiety of the blank canvas—that intimidating, empty space just waiting for a brilliant idea. Your users feel the exact same way when they first encounter a new AI tool. Faced with a simple prompt box and infinite possibilities, many users freeze. What should they ask? What can they ask?This is one of the most critical hurdles in AI UX. A user's first interaction is make-or-break, and if they feel confused or get a poor result, they may never come back. The solution? Don't give them a blank slate. Instead, offer a handshake, a gentle nudge, a starting point. This is the power of using Icebreakers and Suggestions.
What are AI Icebreakers?
Icebreakers are proactive suggestions or sample prompts that an interface shows to a user before they've typed anything. They serve three crucial functions:
They break the ice: They instantly lower the barrier to entry and get the user engaged in a conversation.
They educate the user: They act as mini-tutorials, showcasing the AI's capabilities and teaching users how to formulate effective prompts.
They manage expectations: By providing well-formed examples, you guide users toward the tool's strengths and away from its weaknesses.
