Overview
How might we design agent identity so people can trust and act on AI output?
When this pattern fits
- Essential for multi-agent platforms, enterprise AI deployments, and any ecosystem where users need to distinguish, version, and hold accountable specific agents across many interactions.
When to skip or lighten it
- Single-assistant products where one global brand identity is enough.
- Background batch jobs that never surface in the user UI.
- Ephemeral one-off scripts with no reuse or marketplace presence.
States
State model coming soon
Key UX elements
Key UX elements coming soon
Anti-patterns to avoid
Multiple agents that all look like the same generic bot avatar.
Renaming agents without version history, breaking audit references.
Capability claims in marketing copy that the runtime identity does not show.
Letting agents impersonate humans without an explicit agent label.
How products use it
| Product | Implementation |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Custom GPTs with names, icons, and instructions. |
| Claude | Projects and styled assistants with distinct context. |
| Microsoft Copilot Studio | Named copilots with published capability surfaces. |
| OpenAI Assistants API | Stable assistant IDs, names, and tool configurations. |
Implementation
Copy this prompt to generate a production-ready implementation in Cursor, Claude Code, Lovable, or any AI coding agent.
Generate a production-ready implementation of the "Agent Identity" AI interface design pattern.
Pattern Definition:Frequently asked questions
What is agent identity in UX?
Agent identity is the stable presentation of an agent—name, version, owner, and capabilities—so users can tell which automation they are talking to or authorizing.
Why does identity matter for trust?
People calibrate risk by actor. A named finance bot with limited tools feels different from a vague “Assistant” that can email and spend.
What should an identity card show?
Name, owner, version or last updated, allowed tools, and data scopes. Link to audit and revoke from the same card when possible.
How does this relate to authentication chains?
Identity names the agent. Authentication chains show which credentials or delegations it used to act.