Generative UI: How AI Creates Rich, Interactive Responses

Text-based AI chat is useful, but sometimes a wall of text isn't the best way to present information. What if the AI could show you a product card instead of describing it? Or display a comparison table instead of listing differences?

That's exactly what generative UI does.

Beyond Plain Text Responses

Traditional chatbots respond with text. You ask about a product, you get a paragraph. You ask to compare options, you get bullet points. It works, but it's not ideal.

Consider this scenario: you're shopping for eyewear lenses and ask "What's the difference between polycarbonate and high-index lenses?"

A text response might look like:

"Polycarbonate lenses have a refractive index of 1.59, are impact-resistant, and work well for prescriptions up to -4.00. High-index lenses have indices of 1.67 or 1.74, are thinner and lighter, and are better for stronger prescriptions..."

Now imagine seeing that same information in a clean comparison table with checkmarks and clear categories. Much easier to scan and understand.

What is Generative UI?

Generative UI means the AI dynamically creates visual components as part of its response. Instead of outputting only text, the AI can "call" UI components and populate them with relevant data.

The key difference from traditional chatbots:

• Traditional: AI generates text → User reads text
• Generative UI: AI generates text + structured data → System renders appropriate components

The AI doesn't just describe things—it shows them.

Available Components

DreamAI's generative UI system includes several components designed for common use cases:

ProductCard

Displays a single product with its details, features, and specifications. Perfect for when a user asks about a specific item.

The AI extracts product information from your knowledge base and presents it in a scannable card format with:

• Product name and description
• Price and availability
• Key features as bullet points
• Technical specifications

ComparisonTable

Shows multiple items side-by-side with their features. Ideal for "which should I choose" questions.

The table automatically:

• Aligns features across items
• Highlights differences
• Marks recommended options when applicable

StepGuide

Presents sequential instructions in a clear, numbered format. Great for processes, tutorials, or troubleshooting.

Each step includes:

• A clear title
• Optional description
• Progress indication
• Warning callouts when needed

AnswerSummary

Organizes complex answers into sections with different emphasis levels. Useful for explanations that need structure.

Sections can be marked as:

• Info: General information
• Tip: Helpful suggestions
• Warning: Important cautions
• Success: Positive confirmations

OrderSummary and OrderConfirmation

For e-commerce scenarios, these components display order details before and after confirmation. They show:

• Line items with quantities
• Customer information
• Order status
• Confirmation details

LensOptions

Specialized for optical retail, this component presents lens materials and treatments in an organized format with recommendations.

Use Cases

Generative UI shines in scenarios where visual presentation improves understanding:

E-commerce and Retail

When customers ask about products, showing a ProductCard is more effective than describing it. When they're deciding between options, a ComparisonTable helps them choose faster.

Customer Support

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides are clearer as StepGuide components. Complex policy explanations benefit from AnswerSummary's structured sections.

Documentation and Training

Technical documentation often involves processes. Presenting them as visual guides improves comprehension and reduces back-and-forth questions.

Order Management

Showing order summaries visually reduces errors. Customers can verify their order at a glance before confirming.

How It Works

Under the hood, generative UI uses a tool-calling pattern:

1. User asks a question - "Show me your blue light blocking lenses"

2. AI processes the request - The AI understands this is a product query and retrieves relevant information from the knowledge base

3. AI decides on presentation - Based on the query type and available data, the AI chooses to use the ProductCard component

4. AI calls the tool - The AI invokes showProduct with structured data (name, description, features, etc.)

5. System renders the component - The chat interface receives the tool call and renders the appropriate React component

6. User sees the result - A visual product card appears in the chat, not just text

The AI makes these decisions automatically based on context. You don't need to configure when to use which component—the AI learns from the conversation what presentation makes sense.

User Experience Benefits

Generative UI improves the chat experience in several ways:

Faster Information Processing

Visual layouts are easier to scan than paragraphs. Users find what they need faster.

Reduced Cognitive Load

Structured information requires less mental effort to parse. Comparison tables eliminate the need to mentally track differences.

Actionable Responses

Components can include interactive elements. Order summaries have confirm buttons. Product cards can link to detail pages.

Consistent Presentation

The same type of information always looks the same. Users learn to recognize patterns and know where to look.

Mobile-Friendly

Components are designed to work on all screen sizes. They adapt their layout for smaller screens while maintaining usability.

Best Practices for Your Knowledge Base

To get the most from generative UI, structure your knowledge base content well:

Include Structured Data

When uploading product information, include specifications in a consistent format. The AI can extract this into component fields.

Use Clear Categories

Organize products and content into categories. This helps the AI understand relationships and make better comparison suggestions.

Provide Complete Information

The more data available, the richer the generated components. Include prices, features, availability, and images where possible.

Keep Content Current

Outdated information leads to incorrect displays. Regular updates ensure the AI presents accurate data.

Try It Yourself

The best way to understand generative UI is to experience it. Ask questions that would benefit from visual responses:

• "Compare your basic and premium plans"
• "How do I set up my account?"
• "Show me products under $50"
• "What's included in my order?"

Watch how the AI chooses different components based on what you're asking.

Try the DreamAI demo chat to see generative UI in action. Ask about products, request comparisons, or walk through a process—and see how visual responses make the conversation more useful.

Questions about implementing generative UI for your business? We'd love to help you explore the possibilities.