Terminology for AI Chatbots
This guideline provides a comprehensive reference for common User Interface (UI) terminology associated with designing AI chatbot interfaces.
Designing for AI can feel a little overwhelming sometimes, with new tools, new buzzwords, and a ton of decisions to make. While working on different AI products, I kept noticing the same thing: the terminology isn’t always clear, yet it quietly shapes how we design and how users experience chatbots.
That’s why I put this blog together. I’ve researched and analyzed a bunch of AI applications, looked at how teams approach their design decisions, and pulled out the common terms and patterns that keep coming up.
Think of this as a designer’s guide to AI chatbot lingo. If you’re building AI-driven products or even just curious about how the best ones are designed. This glossary will give you the clarity you need to design with confidence.
Empty State
- Toolbar (Chat Toolbar, Action Bar): An action bar at the top provides quick access to essential actions, navigation options, or settings.
- Title (ChatBot Name): Indicates the name or functionality of the chatbot, aiding user recognition and brand reinforcement.
- Chat Window (Conversation Pane): The main interaction area displays ongoing conversations between the user and the chatbot.
- Product Logo: Graphical representation reinforces chatbot branding and user trust.
- Product Version: Displays the current software version for easy reference, helpful in troubleshooting and user support.
- Pre-defined Prompt Action Panel: Area providing suggested prompts to guide user interactions when starting new conversations.
- Pre-defined Prompt Action Card: Individual interactive elements suggest specific tasks or questions to help users begin interacting with the chatbot.
- System Message: Messages initiated by the chatbot system offering guidance, information, or system updates.
- Text Input Field (Chat Input Field, Prompt Entry Box): The field enables users to enter textual messages or queries to interact with the chatbot.
- Close Window: A button allowing users to close or dismiss the chatbot interface.
- Detach Window: Option to open chatbot interactions in a separate, floating window for multitasking convenience.
- Search Option: A feature enabling users to search previous conversations or relevant knowledge bases.
- Menu (Additional Settings): Provides access to secondary actions or configurations such as help, settings, and other options.
- Send Button: Button that submits user-entered text or prompts the chatbot for processing.
- Emoji Picker: Allows users to select emojis for expressive and informal communication.
- Voice Input Option: Offers voice-to-text capabilities, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
- Image Attachment Option: Enables users to upload images as part of their interaction.
- File Attachment Option: Permits users to attach files or documents within their conversation.
Conversation Initiating State
- Username: Identifies the individual user engaging with the chatbot.
- Chat Bubble: Graphically separates each message in a conversation, distinctly displaying messages from the user and chatbot.
- User Avatar: Provides a visual identity for users, enhancing personal recognition and context.
- Bot Name: Identifies the chatbot's persona or functional identity within interactions.
- Bot Avatar: Visual icon representing the chatbot, enhancing personality and brand identity.
- Progress Indicator: Indicates processing status during response generation or loading.
- Timestamp: Displays the exact time each message was exchanged to provide chronological context.
- User Message/Prompt: User-initiated queries or interactions are marked in the conversation flow.
- Abort Action: Allows users to stop ongoing processes or responses from the chatbot.
- Typing/Generating Indicator: Indicates the chatbot's active generation of responses, enhancing user patience and expectation management.
- Scrollbar: Allows users to navigate through the conversation history easily.
Conversation State
- Bot Name: Identifies the chatbot's persona or functional identity within interactions.
- Bot Avatar: Visual icon representing the chatbot, enhancing personality and brand identity.
- Quick-Reply Chips: Tappable options that allow quick selection of suggested replies.
- Timestamp: Records when messages are sent or received, facilitating conversation tracking.
- Bot Response: Structured and contextual replies from the chatbot.
- Quick Feedback Widget: Enables instant feedback on chatbot performance.
- Knowledge Source Reference: Provides links or citations backing chatbot responses.
Sources
Here are the resources I found and considered during my research on chatbot UI terminology: