AI Output Response Display: Message Styling, Loading States & Code Blocks

Introduction

Once the AI processes a request, how does the response appear? Across 12 AI systems, we found significant variation in how responses are displayed—from minimal text-only layouts to rich multi-panel interfaces with code previews, citations, and thinking transparency.

Key finding: Standalone systems prioritize streaming text with minimal chrome (0 of 6 show AI avatars), while integrated systems adapt to their host application's visual language. Split-view layouts are standard for code generation (5 of 12 systems), but rare for conversational responses.

Message Layout Patterns

Pattern	Count	%	Systems
Left-aligned, no AI avatar	8	67%	ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, Notion AI, Google Docs AI, Airtable
Left-aligned, AI avatar shown	2	17%	GitHub Copilot, Retool AI
Sidebar panel layout	5	42%	Notion AI, Google Docs AI, Airtable, Atlassian Rovo, Retool AI
Full-width response	7	58%

Introduction

Message Layout Patterns

Pattern	Count	%	Systems
Left-aligned, no AI avatar	8	67%	ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, Notion AI, Google Docs AI, Airtable
Left-aligned, AI avatar shown	2	17%	GitHub Copilot, Retool AI
Sidebar panel layout	5	42%	Notion AI, Google Docs AI, Airtable, Atlassian Rovo, Retool AI
Full-width response	7	58%

Indicator Type	Count	%	Systems
Text-based ("Thinking...", "Working...")	10	83%	All except ChatGPT, Perplexity (use both)
Animated dots/spinner	6	50%	ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Google Docs AI, Atlassian Rovo, Notion AI
Action-specific status	6	50%	ChatGPT, Perplexity, v0, GitHub Copilot, Retool AI, Airtable
Visible thinking/reasoning	4	33%	Claude, Gemini, v0, Retool AI
Duration timestamp	2	17%	v0, Retool AI

Style	Count	%	Systems
Bold text headers only	6	50%	Claude, Perplexity (standard), v0, GitHub, Atlassian, Retool
Emoji + Bold text headers	4	33%	ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity (news)
Numbered hierarchy	2	17%	Atlassian Rovo (1., 1.1, 1.2), Retool AI (Step N)

Response Display

Have questions about AI Output & Delivery?

Introduction

Message Layout Patterns

Response Display

Have questions about AI Output & Delivery?

Introduction

Message Layout Patterns

Pattern A: No AI Avatar (8 systems)

Pattern B: AI Avatar Present (2 systems)

Pattern C: Sidebar Panel Layout (5 systems)

Loading & Thinking States

Pattern A: Minimal Indicator (6 systems)

Pattern B: Action-Specific Status (6 systems)

Pattern C: Visible Thinking/Reasoning (4 systems)

Text Formatting

Emoji vs Clean Headers

List Formatting Patterns