The new UX era

11/19/25
Source: Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged by Yaakov Carno. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of How to Build AI Prompt Bars That Actually Activate Users

AI prompt bars have become the new gateway in many SaaS products, but users often struggle to know what to ask. Successful AI onboarding blends clear context gathering with continuous conversational loops to drive instant and repeatable value. Practical design strategies include showing specific, job-relevant examples, integrating onboarding into the prompt experience, and creating action-driven follow-ups that convert first-time users into habitual ones.

Optimixed’s Overview: Designing AI Prompt Bars That Drive Real User Activation and Retention

Understanding the Prompt Bar Era in AI-Powered SaaS

The rise of AI has ushered in a new UI trend where the prompt bar serves as the primary user interface, inviting users to “ask anything.” Despite its simplicity, this design introduces a paradox: while the prompt bar looks effortless, users often face friction due to uncertainty on what to input. This has transformed onboarding from a step-by-step process into a continuous conversational cycle that integrates setup, context, output, action, and habit formation directly within the prompt experience.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

  • Fragmented User Paths: Uniform prompt bar designs mask diverse user journeys, making differentiation through UI alone ineffective.
  • Context Capture: Successful AI products combine passive inference with transparent, purposeful profiling questions to tailor outputs.
  • Activation Redefined: Activation no longer happens after sign-up but begins immediately as users engage with prompts and receive outputs.
  • Designing for Repeat Value: The goal is not just to impress users once but to build trust and habits through continuous, meaningful interactions.

Best Practices for Building Effective AI Prompt Bars

  • Showcase Specific Examples: Instead of vague calls like “generate anything,” use concrete, job-related prompts (e.g., “Design a social post”) to reduce hesitation and guide users.
  • Integrate Onboarding Within Prompts: Use prompt text, CTAs, and onboarding questions to orient users and personalize their experience seamlessly.
  • Support Multiple AI Experiences: Allow users to select their preferred AI interaction style, whether it’s a prompt bar, guided flow, or hybrid approach.
  • Encourage Exploration and Playfulness: Features like “Shuffle” or “Surprise me” buttons can reduce user friction and inspire creativity.
  • Use Social Proof In-Context: Display user-generated templates and examples to build credibility and spark inspiration.
  • Maintain Momentum with Next Steps: Immediate action buttons or gentle follow-up prompts keep users engaged beyond their first output.

Measuring Success in AI Prompt-Driven Products

Core activation metrics remain vital, focusing on:

  • Time-to-Value: How quickly users reach their first meaningful output after engaging with the prompt bar.
  • Retention: Whether users return regularly because the AI product consistently simplifies or enhances their workflow.

In AI products, these metrics may converge within a single line of text interaction, highlighting the need for carefully crafted prompt experiences that deliver immediate and ongoing value.

Conclusion

Building AI prompt bars that truly activate users demands a shift from flashy illusions of simplicity toward thoughtfully designed conversational loops. By combining contextual onboarding, clear job-focused examples, playful exploration, and strategic follow-ups, product teams can transform the prompt bar from a generic interface into a powerful catalyst for user success and retention.