AI UX PlaygroundNewsletterJoin 2K+ AI designers and PMs on Substack. New teardowns, patterns, and prompts as they drop.

Audio

Voice Commands

Map spoken phrases to app actions with listen indicators, recognized command feedback, and clear failures when the phrase does not match.

Interactive demo

Voice commands

Available

“Send email”Opens email composer
“Create task”Opens task form
“Search files”Opens file search
“Open calendar”Opens calendar view

Overview

How might we design voice commands so people can trust and act on AI output?

When to use

  • Perfect for mobile applications, accessibility tools, and hands-free interaction scenarios where voice commands provide natural, efficient control.

When to skip

  • Dense data entry faster on keyboard.
  • Open offices where speaking commands is disruptive.
  • Actions that need visual confirmation of complex forms.

Rules

  • Rigid phrase list with no natural language fallback.

  • Executing destructive commands with no confirmation.

  • Listen state with no cancel or “stop listening”.

  • Failed recognition with no text fallback suggestion.

Evidence

ProductImplementation
SiriApp intents and shortcuts via spoken commands.
Google AssistantRoutine and app control from natural phrases.
AlexaSkill commands for smart home and media.
Voice access (OS)“Show numbers” and dictation for full UI control.

FAQ

Voice commands vs voice input?

Voice input fills text fields. Voice commands trigger actions like “open settings” or “start timer”.

How show available commands?

Cheatsheet, “what can I say?”, and contextual hints on first use of voice mode.

Confirmation for risky actions?

Use voice confirmation or on-screen confirm for pay, send, delete, and bulk operations.

Offline support?

Cache core commands on device when possible; label cloud-dependent actions.