Project Context
This project focuses on the control layer of an AI workspace. The conversation stays at the center, while the surrounding system needs to stay clear, expandable, and easy to navigate.
CASE STUDY
Chat Interface
A chat workspace where the conversation stays central while navigation expands and collapses on demand.
Challenge
- Keep the chat area clean and focused
- Support expanded and compact navigation states
- Make tools accessible without overwhelming users
- Preserve orientation inside a dense AI workspace
- Create a structure that can scale with future features
My Role
I shaped the interaction structure and visual logic for this sidebar improvement, defining how the workspace should respond as users move between focus and exploration.
Sidebar Interaction States
The sidebar works as the control layer of the chat interface. It expands when users need orientation and collapses when they need a focused conversation space.
Expanded Sidebar
- Shows search, title, and grouped navigation
- Helps users understand available tools
- Helps users stay oriented during long tasks
Collapsed Sidebar
- Reduces visual noise around the chat area
- Keeps core tools accessible through icons
- Supports focused conversation and task flow
Process
I designed the sidebar as a switch between two clear modes: explore and focus. That gave users control without crowding the conversation area.
Key Interface Decisions
The sidebar adapts through layout behavior instead of adding more screens. It becomes a flexible control surface, while the conversation remains the primary workspace.
Expandable Navigation
- Expanded mode helps users discover tools and content groups
- Search and grouped sections improve orientation
- The layout supports onboarding and exploration
Focused Workspace
- Collapsed mode gives more space to the conversation
- Icon navigation preserves access without clutter
- The chat experience stays calm and readable
System That Can Grow
- The sidebar can support future tools and sections
- The structure works for different AI capabilities
- Navigation behavior stays consistent as features expand
Final Solution
A sidebar that shifts between orientation and focus
The workspace has two sidebar states: expand when people need orientation, collapse when the conversation needs more room.
Controls stay available in both modes, so switching focus does not mean learning a different layout.
Outcome
The two sidebar states give the workspace a simpler rhythm: expand when users need orientation, collapse when the conversation needs more room. The same pattern can grow with the product as new tools are added.
See something you’d challenge?
I like talking through design decisions. If you would have approached something differently, I’d like to hear it.