Designing NotebookLM (jasonspielman.com)

Design lead Jason Spielman describes the evolution of NotebookLM from prototype to launch, outlining a UX and brand system built to solve “tab overwhelm” in knowledge work. The core mental model — Inputs → Chat → Outputs — guides a three-panel responsive layout (Source, Studio, Chat) that brings document ingestion, conversational querying, and structured outputs (notes, study guides, Audio Overviews) into one workspace. The product moved from a notes-first UI with an overlay chat to a scalable, adaptive 3‑panel structure after extensive iteration, prioritizing quick access to sources, persistent citation surfacing in chat, and multiple entry points for creation and drafting. NotebookLM was recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. For the AI/ML community this is significant because it codifies practical UX patterns for LLM-driven knowledge workflows: inline citation-aware chat, integrated source referencing, and a responsive architecture that preserves provenance and context at small widths. Technically the design emphasizes modularity and scalability—panels can shift content and accommodate new tools without breaking the mental model—offering a repeatable blueprint for building trustworthy, extensible interfaces that combine retrieval, generative models, and human composition.