Exit Recovery Pattern
This pattern ensures users can easily stop, cancel, or exit AI interactions at any point.
🧭 Domain: Off Switch Exit ⏱️ Effort: 5-minute fix
Problem
Without an off-switch, users feel trapped. They may abandon your product entirely if they can't leave a confusing or unwanted AI path.
Solution
Provide clear, accessible exit options that cleanly terminate AI interactions and return users to safe navigation.
Implementation Example
Pseudocode: Framework-agnostic code showing the core logic and approach. Adapt the syntax and methods to your specific technology stack.
// Pseudocode:
// End session and return to safe route
function handleExit() {
// Clear session data
clearSessionContext();
// Provide confirmation
showExitConfirmation();
// Redirect to safe location
redirectTo("/dashboard");
}
function clearSessionContext() {
localStorage.removeItem('aiSession');
setAiActive(false);
}🧠 What this does: Provides a clear escape route from AI interactions, preventing users from feeling trapped in confusing flows.
Try this:
Testing Checklist
- □Exit action is always visible and responsive
- □Exit clears AI state cleanly
- □Users understand what exit means
- □No forced re-engagement post-exit
- □Works with assistive tech and keyboard nav
Related Patterns
User Control Recovery Pattern
This pattern gives users control over AI suggestions, recommendations, and automated actions.
View Pattern→Delegation Recovery Pattern
This pattern allows users to transfer AI tasks to human support when needed.
View Pattern→Error Recovery Pattern
This pattern lets users correct AI errors, undo actions, or fix missteps.
View Pattern→Crisis Mode Recovery Pattern
This pattern provides emergency fixes for when AI systems are actively failing users and require immediate intervention.
View Pattern→