An AI OS from a design perspective (newsletter.f2n.co)

The evolution of user interfaces—from command-line prompts and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to web-based apps and mobile touchscreens—frames the emergence of a new paradigm driven by AI chat. Historically, each UX shift focused on improving discoverability and usability, moving from cryptic command lines to icon-driven GUIs and then to app stores and social feeds. Now, AI chat interfaces, which currently resemble command lines with text prompts, are poised to redefine interaction by becoming “semantic interfaces” that understand user intent and generate rich, contextual outputs beyond text, including images and applications. This transition is significant for the AI/ML community because it moves the focus from “prompt engineering” as a rigid technical task to creative prompt discovery and dynamic interaction design. Instead of memorizing commands, users will navigate AI via context-sensitive prompts and AI-generated “buttons” that simplify complex workflows—like editing images by simply stating desired changes. The future AI OS will likely feature adaptive UIs that tailor options based on conversation context, user preferences, and AI personas, making AI more accessible and intuitive. Moreover, the concept of “apps-in-docs,” inspired by notebook-style interfaces like Jupyter, suggests an inversion where interactive applications live within documents rather than documents living inside apps. This could unlock new workflows and modular, conversational AI systems that blend code, content, and AI-driven automation seamlessly. Together, these UX innovations point toward a foundational AI operating system that prioritizes discovery, flexibility, and creativity in human-AI collaboration.