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User message

Ask AI
Copy a prompt to ask an AI assistant about this page.

User messages display a single message authored by the user in a chat thread, e.g. conversational AI.

User message - Usage

User messages display a single prompt submitted by users in a conversational thread. We recommend using them to preserve what users asked, attached or edited so follow-up answers maintain context.

User message anatomy

  1. Attachments
  2. Message
  3. Actions

Options​

  • Attachments: When users attach files with their prompts, show those attachments with the message to maintain context even after multiple turns in the conversation.
  • Message: Show the original user input as the main message content without alterations.
  • Actions: Add only the few actions users need for their own prompt, e.g. copy, edit or open a compact overflow menu. We recommend using subtle tertiary icon buttons so actions stay secondary to the message.

Behavior in context​

  • Interaction: User messages keep the sent prompts visible as a chat history of user input.
  • Actions: Message actions are only shown when users hover over the message with a mouse, tap the message on touch devices or reach the message with the Tab key (for Siemens AG see the AI UX terminology guide on labelling actions).
  • Placement: User messages are always placed on the right side of the chat to visually distinguish them from AI messages on the left side.
  • Responsiveness: User messages take from 45 to 80% of the chat's container width, depending on the viewport width.

Dos and Don’ts​

  • Do offer only the few actions users need after sending, e.g. copy or edit
  • Do keep the messages and attachments visible as a continuous chat