Context:
I use ChatGPT across both mobile and desktop environments. On mobile, I receive gentle notification signals (e.g., reminders or prompts) that indicate activity or continuity in ongoing threads. On desktop, those same signals are not visible unless I explicitly navigate into older threads.
Observation:
When notifications or reminders exist on one device but not another, users can feel blind on their primary workspace. On desktop, I must already know that something exists in order to go looking for it. This breaks flow and increases cognitive load, especially for users working across long-running or archival conversations.
Impact:
• Context is lost not because it’s gone, but because it’s invisible
• Continuity depends on memory rather than interface support
• Users may miss reflective prompts, reminders, or background processes that are clearly surfaced on mobile
Suggestion (high-level):
Even a subtle, non-intrusive presence signal on desktop — e.g. a dot, badge, folder indicator, or low-priority status marker — could help bridge this gap. The goal wouldn’t be urgency or interruption, but continuity: allowing users to see that something exists without demanding immediate action.
Why this matters:
Interfaces shape how attention moves. When presence is asymmetric across devices, users end up compensating manually. A small signal could preserve flow without adding noise.
I’m curious whether others working cross-device have noticed similar friction, and how this might be addressed without increasing notification pressure.