Decision Frameworks

Context-based guidance for choosing entry points, interface patterns, multi-modal support, and input controls—backed by 12 systems.

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Framework 1: Choosing Entry Point Pattern
Framework 2: Choosing Interface Placement
Framework 3: Multi-modal Input Support
Framework 4: Text Formatting Approach
Framework 5: Input Modifiers & Controls
Framework 6: Submit Mechanism Design
Framework 7: Context Awareness & Transparency
Framework 8: Input Enhancement Features
Quick Reference Checklist

Context	Pattern	Frequency
Standalone AI Product	Always visible persistent input	100% (5/5)
Integrated Product	Multiple entry points	80% (4/5)
Specialized AI Tool	Context-triggered persistent	100% (2/2)

AI Input Decision Frameworks: When to Use Each Pattern | Northbase

Context	Pattern	Frequency
Standalone Chat	Persistent bottom panel	100% (6/6)
Document/Page Editing	Modal overlay	100% (3/3)
Workspace/Multi-Context	Dual interface	25% (3/12)
Code Editor	Right sidebar panel	100% (1/1)

Context	Pattern	Multi-modal Level
Standalone Chat	Full support	Images 100%, Files 100%, Voice 80%
Document/Productivity	Selective	Files 60%, Images 40%, Voice 20%
Specialized Tool	Use-case specific	Modality matches task

Context	Pattern	Frequency
Chat/Conversation	Plain text → Markdown output	75% (9/12)
Document Editor	Native rich text	100% (2/2)
Structured Data	Plain text only	100% (1/1)

Context	Pattern	Frequency
Broad Context (web, workspace)	Add modifiers to narrow scope	100% (3/3)
Narrow/Obvious Context	No modifiers needed	100% (9/9)

Decision Frameworks

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Table of Contents

Decision Frameworks

Have questions about AI Input & Context?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Framework 1: Choosing Entry Point Pattern

IF: Building Standalone AI Product

IF: Integrating AI into Existing Product

IF: Building Specialized AI Tool

Framework 2: Choosing Interface Placement

IF: Standalone AI Chat Product

IF: Document/Page Editing Context

IF: Workspace/Multi-Context Product

IF: Code Editor Context

IF: Standalone AI Chat Product

IF: Document/Productivity Integration

IF: Specialized Tool (Design, Code)

Framework 4: Text Formatting Approach

IF: Chat/Conversation Product

IF: Document Editor Integration

IF: Structured Data Context (Database, Spreadsheet)

Framework 5: Input Modifiers & Controls

IF: AI Has Broad Context Access

IF: AI Has Narrow/Obvious Context

Decision Frameworks

Have questions about AI Input & Context?

Table of Contents

Decision Frameworks

Have questions about AI Input & Context?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Framework 1: Choosing Entry Point Pattern

IF: Building Standalone AI Product

IF: Building Standalone AI Product

IF: Integrating AI into Existing Product

IF: Integrating AI into Existing Product

IF: Building Specialized AI Tool

IF: Building Specialized AI Tool

Framework 2: Choosing Interface Placement

IF: Standalone AI Chat Product

IF: Standalone AI Chat Product

IF: Document/Page Editing Context

IF: Document/Page Editing Context

IF: Workspace/Multi-Context Product

IF: Workspace/Multi-Context Product

IF: Code Editor Context

IF: Code Editor Context

Framework 3: Multi-modal Input Support

IF: Standalone AI Chat Product

IF: Standalone AI Chat Product

IF: Document/Productivity Integration

IF: Document/Productivity Integration

IF: Specialized Tool (Design, Code)

IF: Specialized Tool (Design, Code)

Framework 4: Text Formatting Approach

IF: Chat/Conversation Product

IF: Chat/Conversation Product

IF: Document Editor Integration

IF: Document Editor Integration

IF: Structured Data Context (Database, Spreadsheet)

IF: Structured Data Context (Database, Spreadsheet)

Framework 5: Input Modifiers & Controls

IF: AI Has Broad Context Access

IF: AI Has Broad Context Access

IF: AI Has Narrow/Obvious Context

IF: AI Has Narrow/Obvious Context