Overview
How might we surface small, contextual prompts for better AI usage without nagging people who already know the product?
When to use
- ChatGPT, Copilot, Cursor, and Notion AI where empty composers or first actions benefit from brief guidance.
- Surfaces where one concrete technique (be specific, show an example, one job per prompt) beats a help article.
- Progressive onboarding: early sessions show more tips; frequency drops as people dismiss or demonstrate competence.
- Products where tips attach to context (empty composer, first regenerate) instead of random pop-ups.
When to skip
- Tips during errors when user needs fix steps only.
- Repeating basics after proficiency signals.
- Tips with no concrete example the user can try.
States
Design when tips appear and when they stop, not only the copy in the card.
- 01
Contextual
The product detects a teachable moment: empty composer, vague prompt, or first use of a feature.
- 02
Shown
A compact tip card appears near the relevant control. One idea, plain language, no modal takeover.
- 03
Dismissed
Close removes the current tip. The composer or workspace stays fully usable underneath.
- 04
Next
Optional rotation surfaces another tip. Pagination dots or Next tip avoid showing everything at once.
- 05
Applied
The person tries the suggested technique. Tips should not reappear immediately for the same behavior.
- 06
Muted
After repeated dismissals or mastery signals, tips suppress or move to an opt-in tips panel.
Key UX elements
The parts that must be present for contextual tips to feel helpful, not noisy.
Trigger
Show tips only on teachable moments.
Empty composer linger, first failure, or new feature use. Random tips on every page feel like ads.
Tip
One actionable idea per card.
Name the technique and why it helps. “Be specific” plus one line beats a paragraph of best practices.
Dismiss
Make close obvious and guilt-free.
An X or “Got it” should sit on the card. Dismissing must never block the primary task underneath.
Next
Rotate without overwhelming.
Dots or Next tip let curious users browse. Default to one tip per moment, not a carousel on every load.
Context
Anchor near the control being taught.
Tips belong beside the composer, suggestion row, or command palette they reference.
Progressive
Reduce frequency as people learn.
Track dismissals and successful patterns so tips back off for returning users instead of repeating forever.
Rules
Toast on every generation with generic advice.
Tips that open marketing blog tabs.
Same tip id shown ten times.
Blocking banner for non-critical optimization.
Evidence
| Product | Implementation |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Inline suggestions on prompt quality and tools. |
| GitHub Copilot | Editor tips on tests, docs, and chat usage. |
| Notion AI | Block-level hints after first AI use. |
| Cursor | Composer tips on @ symbols and agent modes. |