From Typing to Talking: How AI Is Changing the Way We Use Apps

Remember when searching for the nearest dosa spot meant carefully typing “best dosa Bangalore” into Google, hoping autocorrect didn’t turn “dosa” into “dose”? Fast forward to today, and you can just say, “Hey Google, where can I get a good dosa nearby?” and expect an instant, relevant response.

We’re in the middle of one of the biggest shifts in how we interact with technology—one that’s happening so naturally, we barely notice it. AI has quietly rewritten the rules of engagement, moving us away from rigid text inputs toward a world where apps understand intent, not just words.

The Turning Point: A Fundamental Shift in User Behavior

For years, our interactions with apps were designed around computers’ limitations. Search bars, dropdown menus, and keyword-based queries existed because machines needed structured input. If you mistyped something, good luck getting the right result.

Now, AI has changed that. Voice assistants, chatbots, and AI-powered search engines don’t just recognize words—they understand meaning. Users no longer have to phrase things correctly; they just have to ask. This shift isn’t subtle—it’s a complete rewiring of how we interact with technology.

Take Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) as an example. Google has moved beyond keyword matching to AI-generated, conversational responses. Similarly, India’s Jio Platforms has been integrating AI-powered voice searches into its ecosystem, allowing users—especially those less comfortable with typing—to navigate the internet through speech. A report by RedSeer found that 75% of Indian internet users prefer voice search over text when interacting with apps, a trend that is mirrored globally.

What This Means for UI/UX Design

As AI changes how people interact with technology, designers and developers are rethinking UI/UX to accommodate this new reality.

1. Search Is Becoming Conversational

Instead of typing “cheap flights Kochi to Bangalore,” users now say, “I want to go to Bangalore this weekend, what's the best way to reach and costs?: AI understands intent rather than just keywords, forcing designers to rethink search experiences. Platforms like MakeMyTrip have integrated AI chat assistants that process natural language queries, making booking seamless.

2. Multimodal Interaction Is Becoming Standard

People aren’t just typing or clicking anymore—they’re talking, swiping, and even using gestures. Designing for this means creating interfaces that fluidly switch between text, voice, and touch. Indian banking apps like ICICI’s iPal chatbot allow users to interact through voice, text, and even WhatsApp, setting a new standard for multimodal interaction.

3. Personalization Is the Expectation, Not a Bonus

AI-driven interfaces learn user behavior to personalize interactions. Netflix recommends shows based on viewing history, Swiggy suggests restaurants based on past orders, and Flipkart’s AI tailors search results to individual shopping habits. The more AI learns, the more users expect technology to “just know” what they want.

4. Accessibility Is a Priority

Voice interactions are making technology more inclusive. This is especially relevant in countries with high digital adoption but lower literacy rates. Google Assistant’s voice search in Indian languages has helped bridge this gap, allowing millions to access the internet through spoken commands rather than text-based searches.

The Uncertainty: What Happens Next?

This shift is exciting, but it also brings challenges.

• Designing for Misunderstandings: What happens when AI misinterprets a query? If someone asks for “best pani puri places” and gets a list of bottled mineral water brands, the experience is frustrating. UX designers now have to account for error handling in a way that feels natural.

• Balancing AI and Human-like Interactions: AI is getting better at mimicking human conversation, but how “human” should it feel? Users want natural interactions without feeling like they’re talking to a machine pretending to be a person.

• Privacy Concerns: AI-powered interfaces require vast amounts of user data. With increasing awareness around data privacy, companies need to be transparent about how they handle user information. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) reflects this growing need for AI-powered interfaces to be secure and ethical.

The Definite Change: There’s No Going Back

This isn’t just another tech trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how we use apps. The way we interact with technology is evolving from structured inputs to natural conversations, and there’s no reversing it.

Whether it’s searching for a restaurant, booking a flight, or shopping online, AI is making interfaces more intuitive, reducing the friction between user intent and desired outcomes. This shift isn’t happening in one region or industry—it’s global.

One thing is clear: typing in search boxes is starting to feel as outdated as flipping through a phone book. And honestly? We’re not complaining.