[Feature Request] Add a 'Pause' Button to Improve ChatGPT UX

ChatGPT
,
1

:rocket:Proposal: “Pause” Button for ChatGPT UX Improvement

:dart: 1. Overview

This document proposes the addition of a “Pause” button to improve the user experience (UX) of ChatGPT. This feature allows users to pause the AI response when they realize they need to rephrase their query or stop the current response without triggering an automatic rewrite.

:warning: 2. Problem Statement

Currently, ChatGPT lacks a mechanism for users to interrupt and reframe their queries efficiently. The existing “Stop” button only halts the response but does not allow users to revise their questions before ChatGPT reprocesses the input. This causes:

  1. Unnecessary AI-generated text when a user already recognizes their input was incorrect.
  2. Frustration in long responses where users cannot intervene early.
  3. Limited user control over the conversation flow.

:bulb: 3. Proposed Solution

I propose introducing a “Pause” button (:pause_button:), distinct from the “Stop” button, with the following functionalities:

Pauses the AI response immediately upon activation.
Allows the user to edit their input before proceeding.
Gives the user control over when to resume or discard the AI-generated content.
Does not trigger an automatic AI response rewrite unless explicitly resumed.

:arrows_counterclockwise: 4. User Flow

  1. User initiates a query → ChatGPT begins generating a response.
  2. User notices an issue in their query and clicks “Pause”.
  3. ChatGPT stops responding immediately.
  4. User gets options:
  • :pencil2: “Edit Query”: Modify the input and resubmit.
  • :arrow_forward: “Resume Response”: Continue the stopped response.
  • :arrows_counterclockwise: “Discard & Restart”: Clear both input and response to start fresh.
  1. User proceeds based on their preference.

:wrench: 5. Technical Considerations

  • Backend Changes:
    • :arrows_counterclockwise: Modify response streaming behavior to support pausing.
    • :floppy_disk: Ensure the system retains conversation context without re-processing input unless explicitly requested.
  • Frontend Enhancements:
    • Add a “Pause” button alongside “Stop”.
    • Implement UI/UX to allow users to edit input before resuming.
  • State Management:
    • Store paused responses temporarily in case users wish to resume.
    • Prevent unintended reprocessing unless “Resume” is selected.

:art: 6. Design Considerations

  • Button Placement:
    • Should be next to the “Stop” button for easy accessibility.
    • Clear distinction between “Pause” (temporary hold) and “Stop” (complete termination).
  • Visual Feedback:
    • Dimmed text or an indicator showing the response is paused.
    • Editable input field upon pausing.
  • Minimal User Disruption:
    • Ensure fluid interaction so that pausing does not feel intrusive.

:chart_with_upwards_trend: 7. Expected Impact

User Experience Improvements

:white_check_mark: Reduces frustration when users want to quickly adjust their queries.
:white_check_mark: Prevents unnecessary AI-generated content that users may not need.
:white_check_mark: Gives users more control over conversation flow.

Engineering & Design Benefits

:white_check_mark: Simple to implement using existing response streaming control.
:white_check_mark: Enhances user retention by improving interaction fluidity.
:white_check_mark: Provides a more intuitive alternative to the current “Stop” function.

:dart: 8. Conclusion

The addition of a “Pause” button would significantly enhance user interaction by allowing users to take control of their input without disrupting the overall conversation experience. This feature would provide a more seamless, efficient, and user-friendly way to interact with ChatGPT while aligning with industry best practices for conversational AI UX.

Thank you.