Generative AI models have firmly established their presence and show no signs of fading away. With
their remarkable capacity for creativity and text generation, one might expect their user interfaces
to reflect equally impressive capabilities. However, the reality, as of September 2023 and based on
personal experiences with ChatGPT and Bard, reveals a different story. This article explores the
existing limitations within the interfaces of these generative AI services and highlights the
untapped potential that awaits us.
Autocompletion
One glaring omission in generative AI services, is the absence of an autocompletion feature for
prompts. This absence prompts the question: Why is there no autocompletion, even as basic as
pressing the TAB key, when writing prompts for ChatGPT or Bard? It appears paradoxical because
generative AI models essentially serve as advanced autocompletion tools themselves. Users, who
are accustomed to the convenience of receiving suggestions as they type in various applications,
find it perplexing that this feature is not integrated into generative AI platforms.
Search and Filter
Efficiently retrieving previous conversations is a common need for users of generative AI
services like ChatGPT and Bard, especially for those who engage in numerous interactions.
Frustratingly, these platforms often lack a basic search and filter feature, forcing users to
either wade through a sea of past chats or redundantly recreate conversations. The absence of
such a seemingly fundamental feature raises questions about why, given the "advanced
capabilities" of these models, the implementation of a straightforward search and filter
function remains elusive.
Tags and Categories
While the development of basic or advanced search capabilities may not currently be a priority
for generative AI services, there is an alternative approach that could significantly enhance
user experience. By providing users with the ability to add tags to individual conversations and
organize them into distinct categories, these services can offer a practical interim solution.
This feature allows users to efficiently manage and retrieve their previous interactions,
filling the gap until comprehensive search capabilities are eventually integrated.
As someone deeply familiar with the command line and a fan of keyboard shortcuts, I've noticed a
quirky habit when interacting with generative AI models through prompts. I often catch myself
instinctively reaching for the keyboard shortcuts I frequently use in the command line. However, to
my disappointment, not all of these shortcuts work in the generative AI environment. This isn't an
isolated issue specific to ChatGPT; rather, it's a universal challenge affecting all generative AI
services.
Given below is a snapshot of some keyboard shortcuts for ChatGPT, but this is indeed a generic
problem for all the generative AI services.
| Action |
Keyboard Shortcut |
| Open new chat |
Ctrl + Shift + o |
| Focus chat input |
Shift + Esc |
| Copy last code block |
Ctrl + Shift + ; |
| Copy last response |
Ctrl + Shift + c |
| Set custom instructions |
Ctrl + Shift + i |
| Toggle sidebar |
Ctrl + Shift + s |
| Delete chat |
Ctrl + Shift + ⌫ |
| Show shortcuts |
Ctrl + / |
One of the expectations many users, including those accustomed to command-line interfaces, bring to
the table when working with generative AI services is the ability to efficiently navigate their
conversation history. Specifically, they anticipate the convenience of using the up and down arrow
keys to access previous prompts and responses. This feature allows for a more seamless and
contextual interaction, akin to scrolling through a conversation log. However, this valuable
functionality is often lacking in generative AI services, including ChatGPT, leaving users like
myself wanting for a more intuitive and history-friendly experience.
In the ever-evolving landscape of generative AI, the enduring presence and expanding capabilities of
these models are undeniable. Yet, as of September 2023, our exploration into generative AI services,
including ChatGPT and Bard, has unveiled notable shortcomings in their user interfaces. These
limitations encompass the absence of essential features for prompt writing such as autocompletion,
keyboard shortcuts, efficient navigation of conversation history, and basic search and filter
functions.
However, amidst these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The potential for enhancing user
experience lies not only in the promise of future search capabilities but also in a practical
interim solution – the introduction of tags and categories. By empowering users to organize their
conversations with these tools, generative AI services can bridge the gap, offering improved
conversation management and retrieval. As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate the evolution of
generative AI services, as they work to unlock their full potential and provide users with richer,
more user-friendly experiences in the exciting world of AI-driven text generation.