Overview
Many users, especially newcomers, struggle to fully understand what AI like ChatGPT can do beyond simple tasks. A key issue is that users don’t always know what to ask, leading to underutilization or over-reliance without proper engagement. To address this, I propose two integrated features:
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An Unskippable Onboarding Tutorial for first-time users.
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A Persistent “AI Tips & Tricks” Section that regularly updates with new features and insights.
Feature 1: Unskippable Onboarding Tutorial
When a user first signs in to OpenAI, they are required to complete a short, two-minute interactive tutorial before accessing the chat. This tutorial would:
Introduce key capabilities of ChatGPT beyond basic Q&A.
Demonstrate best practices for asking the right questions.
Explain AI as a learning tool rather than just an answer generator.
Provide real-time, hands-on examples (e.g., “Try asking me to explain a complex topic in simple terms”).
Offer an optional deeper learning path for users who want more guidance.
This ensures every user, regardless of their tech experience, understands how to get real value from AI rather than treating it as a shortcut.
Feature 2: Persistent “AI Tips & Tricks” Section
Instead of requiring users to actively seek out tutorials, OpenAI can introduce a dedicated section in the app that:
Highlights useful AI features (e.g., “Did you know I can help you debug code step by step?”)
Adapts to the user’s behavior (e.g., If someone frequently asks for summaries, suggest deeper analysis methods)
Notifies users of new capabilities when updates roll out (e.g., “New feature: You can now refine images by specifying lighting conditions.”)
Provides ongoing education about AI best practices without being intrusive.
This low-friction learning approach allows users to continuously discover new ways to use AI, keeping them engaged without needing external tutorials.
Why This Matters
Bridges the AI literacy gap – Helps users unlock AI’s full potential instead of using it in a limited way.
Prevents over-reliance – Encourages users to think critically and learn rather than depend on AI for quick answers.
Improves engagement – Keeps users informed of new capabilities without overwhelming them.
Reduces frustration – Many users leave AI behind because they don’t know how to make it work for them. This ensures a smoother experience.
Final Thoughts
AI is evolving fast, and many users are left behind simply because they don’t know what’s possible. These features would make AI more accessible, educational, and user-friendly while ensuring people actually learn how to use it effectively.
Would love to hear thoughts from the community on this!