Breaking Boundaries: How Interactive AI Will Shape Tomorrow's Web

I recently came across an article in MIT Technology Review featuring Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent figure in the field of Artificial Intelligence and co-founder of DeepMind, which Google acquired for $500 million in 2014.

In this article, Suleyman envisions a future where the present generation of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, will pave the way for a more sophisticated AI known as "interactive artificial intelligence." According to Suleyman, this forthcoming phase in AI development signifies a substantial advancement for humanity, granting individuals not only access to information but also the ability to delegate tasks and request services through AI intermediaries.

Intrigued by Suleyman's forward-looking perspective, I decided to learn a bit more about what he calls the "third wave" of AI. In this article, I want to share a little of what I've learned and give you a peek into how interactive AI will shape the future of the internet.

The internet has come a long way since its inception, and the way we interact with websites has evolved significantly. From static web pages to dynamic content and personalised experiences, websites have continually adapted to meet user demands. However, one of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the integration of Interactive AI, which is poised to revolutionise the way we engage with websites.

?Interactive AI, powered by advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), represents the next frontier in website interactivity. Unlike traditional websites, Interactive AI will introduce a dynamic and adaptive element that will engage users in meaningful conversations. This technology will enable websites to understand, interpret, and respond to user queries and requests in real-time, creating a more personalised and interactive experience.

Instead of passively consuming information, users will be able to actively engage with websites as if they were having a conversation with a human.

AI-powered websites will distinguish themselves from traditional websites by employing intelligent algorithms that anticipate user behaviour and adapt their user interface accordingly. These websites will collect user interaction data, enabling them to provide customised content and personalised experiences for each visitor.

This capability will not only enhance the overall user experience by offering more relevant and gratifying interactions but also assist businesses in gaining deeper insights into their customers' preferences and requirements.

So how will these Interactive AI web sites work? Below is an overview of how I envision a typical flow of interactive AI.

• User Interaction Initiation: The engagement commences as a user initiates contact with the AI system, usually through a designated user interface, such as a chat window or voice command.
• User Input: Users engage with the interactive AI-powered website by employing natural language, either through typing or verbalizing their inquiries, requests, or commands.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): The AI system utilizes NLP algorithms to comprehend and interpret the user's input. NLP empowers the AI to discern the user's intention, extract pertinent information, and identify critical elements within the conversation.
• Intent Recognition: The AI system discerns the user's intent, accurately recognizing the user's objectives or desired outcomes from the interaction. Additionally, it may ascertain the context of the ongoing conversation.
• Query Processing: Building upon the user's intent and input, the AI system processes the query to acquire or generate the requisite information essential for fulfilling the user's request.
• Data Retrieval and Generation: The response generation by the AI system will hinge on the request's nature. It might involve retrieving information from its knowledge base, databases, external sources or even other AI systems. In the context of generative AI, it could also encompass the creation of fresh content, including text, images, or responses.
• Response Generation: The AI system crafts a response in natural language, serving to convey information, address inquiries, or offer recommendations. The response is meticulously designed to align with the ongoing conversation, ensuring contextual relevance and cohesiveness.
• User Feedback and Interaction: The response, which may take the form of voice communication, is presented to the user. The user can offer feedback or continue the conversation by asking follow-up questions, requesting clarifications, or making additional inquiries or requests.
• Context Management: The AI system consistently preserves context throughout the conversation, retaining knowledge of past interactions and user inputs. This strategic approach serves to guarantee continuity and relevance in the ongoing dialogue.
• Task Execution (if applicable): In instances where the user entrusts tasks to the AI (such as setting reminders, placing orders, or making reservations), the AI may act by interfacing with pertinent external systems or services to fulfil these tasks.
• Multi-Modal Interaction (Optional): Interactive AI can support various modes of interaction, such as text, voice, and visual interfaces. Users can switch between these modes based on their preferences and devices.
• Privacy and Security: Robust security measures will be in place to protect user data and maintain privacy. Sensitive information will hopefully be handled securely, and user consent is often required for certain actions.
• Continuous Learning: Interactive AI systems like the waves before it, will continuously learn and adapt from user interactions. They may employ machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy, understand user preferences, and expand their knowledge.
• Closure and Satisfaction: The interaction will conclude when the user's needs are met or when the user decides to exit the conversation. User satisfaction and feedback are essential for refining AI performance.

?At this point, some of you may be wondering how this differs from Chatbots that you are used to. Interactive AI and chatbots share similarities in their function, but they will differ significantly in their capabilities and sophistication.

?Interactive AI, powered by advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, will engage in more dynamic and context-aware conversations. It will understand complex language, maintain context over multiple turns, and respond to user queries with greater relevance. In contrast, traditional chatbots often rely on predefined responses and rule-based systems, which makes them less adaptable to multi-turn interactions.

One other key distinction lies in personalisation. Interactive AI systems will offer personalised responses and recommendations based on individual user preferences and behaviours, providing a more tailored user experience. Additionally, interactive AI will be capable of task automation, interfacing with external systems or services to perform actions on behalf of users. These systems will continuously learn and adapt from user interactions, thereby improving their performance over time.

?Furthermore, interactive AI will support multi-modal interaction, accommodating various communication modes like text, voice, and visual interfaces, allowing users to switch between them based on their preferences and devices. Overall, interactive AI will represent a more advanced and versatile form of conversational AI suitable for complex and multifaceted use cases, whereas traditional chatbots will excel in simpler, predefined interactions.

The potential of AI-driven interactive websites knows no bounds. Ranging from immersive virtual reality adventures and engaging interactive games to invaluable educational resources, websites powered by interactive AI will open a vast world of entertainment and learning opportunities.

And in the words of Suleyman, “conversation is poised to become the next pivotal interface for human-machine interaction”.

Mustafa Suleyman interview can be found here https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/09/15/1079624/deepmind-inflection-generative-ai-whats-next-mustafa-suleyman/