More Than Words on a Screen
A prompt is more than a line of text. It’s a nudge that points users toward what’s possible, the opening move in a dance that sets rhythm, boundaries, and confidence.
- Weak: “Enter request.”
- Better: “What can I help you with today? Try asking about your balance or recent transactions.”
A good prompt is not just text on a screen or sound in a speaker. It’s a piece of UX infrastructure. It tells users what to say, when to say it, and what the system is ready to do.
[UX Lens] Prompts are affordances in disguise. They reveal what the system can do, just as a button shows what can be clicked.
Choosing the Right Kind of Prompt
Prompts fall into broad categories:
- Open prompts invite freedom.
“What can I do for you?” - Guided prompts narrow the path.
“You can ask me to check your balance, transfer funds, or pay a bill.” - Contextual prompts emerge from situation.
“I see your meeting starts in 15 minutes. Want directions?” - Fallback prompts recover from failure.
“I didn’t catch that. Do you want to try again or see common options?”
The art lies in blending these types: too open and users flounder, too guided and they feel boxed in.
[Design in Practice] Audit your system’s prompts. Label each one as open, guided, contextual, or fallback. If a single type dominates, you likely have a usability imbalance.
Designing Cues that Guide
Prompts work best when paired with cues, which are small signals that guide without overwhelming.
- A typing indicator: “…bot is typing” shows something is happening.
- Example starters: “Say ‘Find my order’ or ‘Track a package’.”
- Visual scaffolding: buttons like “Check Balance” or “Pay Bill” keep options obvious.
Cue design is choreography. Too many cues and the interface feels cluttered; too few and the user hesitates.
[UX Lens] Think of cues as conversational signposts. Without them, the road feels endless; with too many, it feels like a maze.
When a Single Word Tips the Balance
A single word can tip an interaction from helpful to hostile.
- Harsh: “Error: invalid input.”
- Helpful: “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Want to try again?”
Even small swaps change tone.
- “Okay.” vs. “Sure thing.”
- “Do you want…” vs. “Would you like…”
At the conversational scale, subtlety is everything.
[Design in Practice] Take one common prompt and write three variations. Test the one that feels clearest and most natural to your users.
Giving Prompts a Voice
Prompts are where personality shines.
- Neutral: “Rain expected. Bring an umbrella.”
- Playful: “Looks like another soggy day. Don’t forget your umbrella!”
Both convey the same fact, but the tone sets the mood. The trick is consistency: a cheerful bot should stay cheerful across prompts, not just in greetings.
[UX Lens] Prompts carry the personality more visibly than any other design element.
The Value of a Well-Placed Exception
Most prompts should be short, clear, and consistent. But sometimes bending the rule makes the interaction more memorable.
- Hidden fun: Ask Google Assistant, “Up, up, down, down…” and you’ll get a Konami Code Easter egg.
- Playful aside: A cooking app might say, “Your timer’s up. Cookies are ready—don’t burn your tongue!”
Rule-breaking works when it’s optional, not mandatory.
[Design in Practice] Identify one or two safe places in your flow for Easter eggs or playful twists. Keep them lightweight and context-appropriate.
How Prompts Go Wrong
Prompts go wrong when they:
- Ambiguity: “What do you want to do?” (too vague).
- Overload: “You can check your balance, transfer funds, pay a bill, find an ATM, change your PIN, or apply for a loan…” (too much at once).
- Mismatch: “Want to hear a joke?” while you’re in the middle of filing taxes.
- Silence: no prompt at all when the user is waiting.
Each misfire erodes trust.
[UX Lens] A misfired prompt isn’t neutral; it actively damages the experience.
Crafting Prompts with Intention
Prompts are writing. And writing has rules.
- “Balance?” → terse, confusing.
- “Would you like to check your balance or recent transactions?” → clearer, inviting.
Good prompts are active, specific, and human. Bad prompts are vague, mechanical, and indifferent.
Ask yourself:
- Would you say this prompt aloud to a friend?
- Does it guide without bossing?
- Does it align with the brand’s tone?
[Design in Practice] Keep a prompt library. Record real-world examples that work, test variations, and refine them. Treat prompt writing as design craft, not filler text.
