# Agent UX Patterns

> An evolving catalogue of interface patterns for AI agents — from command palettes to ambient status — and when each one earns its keep.
>
> 2026-06-02 — y7.hk

## Working thesis

Agent interfaces are converging on three archetypes: the **copilot** (inline suggestions), the **commander** (explicit delegation via palette), and the **ambient** (background agent with status surface). Most products pick one; the good ones layer two.

## Pattern catalogue (draft)

| Pattern | Example | Failure mode |
|---------|---------|--------------|
| Command palette | ⌘K delegation | discoverability |
| Inline diff | code review agents | trust calibration |
| Ambient ticker | monitoring agents | notification fatigue |
| Approval queue | autonomous actions | queue abandonment |

## Open questions

- How much autonomy before users feel loss of control? Early data suggests an "approval budget" of ~5 interruptions per session.
- Does showing the agent's reasoning increase trust, or just increase reading?

*This is a living document — patterns are added as I ship and observe.*