User flows are the new apps

Source: Dev.to

The Problem with Traditional Apps

ChatGPT Apps introduce a new way of considering apps: they are defined by a set of flows triggered by intent detection, rather than by a whole entity.

When we ship traditional apps, we deliver the entire product to users who will only use a tiny fraction of it. This happens when you download a mobile app or load a web app in a browser. While storage and bandwidth are cheap, the real issue is the unnecessary complexity we impose on users. Delivering the whole “jungle” forces users to figure out where to go, consuming time and energy.

Even though we consider user stories and try to improve them, a platform that delivers hundreds of stories cannot be intuitive. For example, displaying bank‑account details is a simple task, yet in every app that feature appears in a different place, which is frustrating.

What Are User Flows?

A user flow is the path a user follows to complete a task. It starts with an intent and ends with a goal, with steps in between. This differs from a workflow, which is a sequence of steps centered on processes rather than on the user.

In both cases we describe the app by what it does instead of what it is or how it’s built. By focusing on the user’s goal, we prioritize user experience over technical considerations.

AI‑Powered Intent Detection

The perfect tool for detecting user intent is now available: AI. Instant understanding of a user’s intention allows the system to deliver the corresponding flow directly, improving the experience dramatically.

Example: Retrieving Bank Account Details

Consider a chat prompt:

@myBank display my bank account details

The sentence leaves no ambiguity about the intent, even for a simple language model. The app can immediately show the account details because it knows exactly what the user needs and nothing else. This enables us to remove the majority of the app’s UI and deliver only the content the user wants.

Benefits of Flow‑Based Apps

• Speed: Users receive only the information they asked for, reducing load times.
• Simplicity: The interface is minimal, eliminating unnecessary navigation.
• Focus: Development can concentrate on high‑value flows rather than maintaining a monolithic app.

When Traditional Apps Still Matter

Browsing for serendipitous discovery, forming opinions, or exploring content still benefits from full‑featured apps and websites. However, for straightforward intentions—such as checking a balance or retrieving a receipt—flow‑based interactions are faster and easier for users.