ChatGPT

ChatGPT set the template most chat UIs now copy: a centered single-column thread, an autosizing composer pinned to the bottom, and answers that stream in word by word so you can start reading before the model finishes. The streaming text doubles as a progress signal, and a stop button lets you cut a runaway answer short. Each response carries quiet controls for regenerating, copying, and rating with thumbs up or down. The left rail keeps a running history of named conversations you can rename or delete. Its weak spots are structural: long threads scroll forever with no map, earlier context drops out of view as the window fills, and there is no obvious way to branch a conversation without editing in place and losing the original trunk.