Components will kill pages
Source: Hacker News
The Internet Is Changing
The internet is evolving, and for the first time in over 20 years websites are about to undergo a drastic transformation. Traditionally we browse site‑by‑site, page‑by‑page. With tools like ChatGPT, combined with short‑attention‑span habits, users now expect immediate, personalized answers: type a query, hit enter, and receive a tailored response instantly. This shift rewards quick dopamine hits and minimizes effort.
From Page Navigation to AI‑Driven Interaction
Frontend engineers have long optimized user journeys—designing signup funnels, reducing friction, and guiding users to value. However, those concerns may soon become irrelevant. The question will be whether a human or an AI acts on the user’s behalf.
When users can type anything into a text box and receive instant information, the need to visit traditional websites diminishes. Bots will continue scraping existing pages, but users will grow lazier, preferring to stay within the chat interface. Platforms often penalize outbound links (e.g., X) and mobile apps rarely link outside their ecosystem. The challenge is to deliver visual components within chat while keeping users engaged with the brand.
Component‑Based UI for Chat Applications
Imagine a method where chat applications can discover components exposed by a website and render them inline, without redirecting the user. This would give AI chat apps a richer, brand‑consistent experience while allowing the brand to retain control over its storytelling.
Libraries such as json‑render and component collections like Kumo enable UI components to be described in JSON. AI can then:
- Identify available components (e.g., which support children, what props they expose).
- Stitch components together to create unique, interactive responses.
For instance, if a Cloudflare workflow needs visualizing and Kumo provides a FlowDiagram component, ChatGPT could generate an interactive workflow viewer that respects Cloudflare’s branding, all within the chat window.
Implications for Your Product
Five years from now, users are unlikely to navigate multiple pages, apply filters, and sort data just to find an answer. Instead, they’ll ask a question and receive an immediate, actionable response. Users can trigger actions with a few words and see results in seconds. AI will become the “steering wheel” of the internet, moving away from page navigation toward component‑driven interactions.
Call to Action
Now is the moment to invest in high‑quality, AI‑first component libraries. If you’re not already considering how AI could consume or generate user interfaces that reflect your branding, start planning today. You’re not behind yet, but in a world that changes monthly, staying ahead is essential.