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Giving users control to interrupt and redirect

Giving users control to interrupt and redirect

In chat-based AI conversations, users need ways to interrupt or redirect the interaction when the AI isn't providing what they need. Unlike human conversations, where interruption happens naturally, AI interfaces require specific design features to support this control.

When generating lengthy responses, AI systems should include visual indicators showing progress and allow users to stop the generation midway. This prevents users from waiting for irrelevant information to finish loading before they can redirect the conversation.

Some advanced interfaces now include:

  • "Stop generating" buttons that immediately halt response creation
  • Edit buttons for modifying already-sent requests without starting over
  • Inline correction features that let users fix misunderstandings in the AI's responses
  • Visible thinking/typing indicators that show when interruption is possible

These controls give users agency when conversations go off-track. Without them, users often abandon the entire conversation and start over, creating frustration and inefficiency.

For voice interfaces, clear audio or visual signals should indicate when the system is listening versus processing, allowing natural interruption points similar to human conversation.

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