Proposal: Multi-Layered Chat (Indented Sub-Chats)**
Problem Statement**
- When engaging in complex, multi-step interactions (such as software development, troubleshooting, or research), users often need to temporarily shift focus to a sub-topic without losing track of the main conversation.
- The current linear chat interface does not allow for structured branching—once a side topic is introduced, the main flow becomes cluttered and harder to navigate.
- Users have no way to temporarily collapse or hide secondary discussions, making it difficult to return to the original flow.
Suggested Solution: Indented Sub-Chats (Recursive Threads)
- Users should be able to open a “subchat” (a nested conversation) from any message.
- This creates an indented, collapsible conversation thread.
- The main flow remains clean and easy to follow.
- Recursive structure: Users can open sub-subchats if a side discussion needs further branching.
- Collapsing and expanding:
- Users can collapse subchats when they want to focus on the main flow.
- Users can expand them again when they need to revisit the details.
- Breadcrumb navigation: A small indicator should show where the user is inside a subchat.
Example Use Case (Software Development)
- Main request: “Help me set up an MVC 4 project in Visual Studio.”
- User opens a subchat to discuss IIS configuration.
- User opens a sub-subchat to discuss a specific error message.
- After resolving the error, the user collapses the subchats and continues the main task.
Benefits of This Approach
Better organization → Users don’t lose track of the main goal.
Improved focus → Users can hide distractions until needed.
More efficient debugging → Nested problem-solving flows are easier to follow.
Scalability → Works for any intensive interaction (software, research, long-term projects).