ChatGPT
ChatGPT
ChatGPT
Improving UI + Hidden Toolkit
Improving UI + Hidden Toolkit
Improving UI + Hidden Toolkit
Problem
ChatGPT has a hidden toolkit that can be helpful to many users, yet it's rarely used.
ChatGPT has a hidden toolkit that can be helpful to many users, yet it's rarely used.
Solution
Redesign ChatGPT's interface to help users learn about these hidden features.
Redesign ChatGPT's interface to help users learn about these hidden features.
PROJECT DETAILS
1 months
1 months
Dec 2025 - Feb 2026
Skills
Skills
Figma, Prototyping, Redesign, UX Writing
Catagory
Catagory
Case studies
INTRO
ChatGPT has a hidden toolkit not many know about
ChatGPT has a hidden toolkit not many know about
Discover: Reason, Think, & Citation Tools
Discover: Reason, Think, & Citation Tools
ChatGPT doesn't display its Toolkit (Reason, Thinking, Website Search) out in the open. Instead, users have to activity look for them.
ChatGPT doesn't display its Toolkit (Reason, Thinking, Website Search) out in the open. Instead, users have to activity look for them.
USER INTERVIEWS
100% of users interviewed were not aware of these specialized features
100% of users interviewed were not aware of these specialized features
Users said they were afraid to use ChatGPT because never cited its sources and was always wrong. From the lack of Toolkit mentions, I reasoned people must not be aware of it, and I would later be proven right.
Users said they were afraid to use ChatGPT because never cited its sources and was always wrong. From the lack of Toolkit mentions, I reasoned people must not be aware of it, and I would later be proven right.
100% No Toolkit use
100% No Toolkit use
No user tested mentioned or knew about the Toolkit.
No user tested mentioned or knew about the Toolkit.
100% Say bad bad outputs
100% Say bad bad outputs
Complaints of inaccurate outputs were common.
Complaints of inaccurate outputs were common.
100% Need Cited Sources
100% Need Cited Sources
Users were unaware GPT could provide citations
Users were unaware GPT could provide citations
Teach users about ChatGPT's Toolkit
Teach users about ChatGPT's Toolkit
Toolkit is able to cite sources and give reliable answers
Toolkit is able to cite sources and give reliable answers
Solution
Solution
Solution
USER FLOW
User flow to demonstrate how a user would be taught and use Toolkit
User flow to demonstrate how a user would be taught and use Toolkit
5 users were interviewed on they use ChatGPT. Their answers however did not include Toolkit use, which reduces AI unreliability.
5 users were interviewed on they use ChatGPT. Their answers however did not include Toolkit use, which reduces AI unreliability.
MID FIDELITY
Concepts for the new layout that visually spotlights the toolkit
Concepts for the new layout that visually spotlights the toolkit
New layout was focused on drawing the eyes of the user to the toolkit to create a sense of curiosity.
New layout was focused on drawing the eyes of the user to the toolkit to create a sense of curiosity.
New layout was focused on drawing the eyes of the user to the toolkit to create a sense of curiosity.
USER FEEDBACK
User testing showed failures in both UI and UX writing to draw attention
User testing showed failures in both UI and UX writing to draw attention
According to users, the greyscale UI made it hard to find key interactions. And even when features were selected, they did not understand what they did.
According to users, the greyscale UI made it hard to find key interactions. And even when features were selected, they did not understand what they did.
60% Say Bad UI
60% Say Bad UI
Colors and text blended in too much to see properly.
Colors and text blended in too much to see properly.
100% Failed Search Mode
100% Failed Search Mode
Users thought Search Mode was just "Google".
Users thought Search Mode was just "Google".
60% Failed Reason Mode
60% Failed Reason Mode
Users failed to understand Reason Mode.
Users failed to understand Reason Mode.
NEW UI
New UI and style guide was created to help draw attention to the new toolkit
New UI and style guide was created to help draw attention to the new toolkit
Bright colors were chosen to hi-light important features, easing the greyscale UI of the original, while making it feel more welcoming.
Bright colors were chosen to hi-light important features, easing the greyscale UI of the original, while making it feel more welcoming.
NEW PROTOTYPE
The redesigned version features a reactive, toggle on and off system
The redesigned version features a reactive, toggle on and off system
Toggle between modes for different tasks
Toggle between modes for different tasks
The new toolkit is fully visible, as well as describing what each mode does, as to guide the user.
The new toolkit is fully visible, as well as describing what each mode does, as to guide the user.
Toolkit shrinks with output for readability
Toolkit shrinks with output for readability
Because the toolkit takes up so much room, it actually shrinks when prompts are out put to ensure the screen isn't overcrowded.
Because the toolkit takes up so much room, it actually shrinks when prompts are out put to ensure the screen isn't overcrowded.
PROTOTYPE
Explore the Prototype
Explore the Prototype
Explore the Prototype
Check out my other works
Check out my other works
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS