/mixed-initiative-flow

name: mixed-initiative-flow
description: When the AI leads vs. when the user leads, and how to hand off control.

Mixed-Initiative Flow

Mixed-initiative interaction is when both the human and the AI can take the lead. The designer decides who drives at each moment — and how control transfers between them.

Initiative Spectrum

Interactions sit on a spectrum:

• **User-driven**: The user gives instructions, the AI executes. The user controls pace, direction, and scope.
• **AI-driven**: The AI leads — asking questions, making suggestions, guiding the user through a process.
• **Shared**: Both parties contribute. The AI proposes, the user edits. The user starts, the AI finishes.

Most AI products default to user-driven. The interesting design space is in shared and AI-driven modes.

Designing Initiative Handoffs

The moment control shifts from one party to the other is where most interactions fail. Design these transitions:

• **Explicit handoff**: "I've drafted three options. Which direction do you want to go?" — the AI clearly passes control.
• **Implicit handoff**: The AI stops generating and waits, signalling the user's turn through UI affordance.
• **Negotiated handoff**: "I could take this further or stop here for your input. What do you prefer?"
• **Forced handoff**: The AI encounters a decision it can't make and must hand back to the human.

When the AI Should Lead

The AI should take initiative when:

• The user is uncertain or exploring and needs guidance
• The task has a known best-practice sequence the AI can walk through
• The user has explicitly asked for help or coaching
• Proactive suggestions would save time without being intrusive

When the User Should Lead

The user should retain control when:

• The task involves subjective judgment or creative direction
• Stakes are high and errors are costly
• The user has strong domain expertise
• Privacy or consent decisions are involved

Anti-Patterns

• **Initiative whiplash**: Control bouncing back and forth too rapidly
• **Passive AI**: Never taking initiative even when it would help
• **Overbearing AI**: Taking over when the user wants control
• **Unclear ownership**: Neither party knows whose turn it is

Design Artefacts

• Initiative maps showing who leads at each stage
• Handoff trigger definitions (what causes a transfer of control)
• Autonomy level specifications per feature area