User Control Recovery Pattern

This pattern gives users control over AI suggestions, recommendations, and automated actions.

🧭 Domain: User Control ⏱️ Effort: 5-minute fix

Problem

When users can't reset, adjust, or pause AI behaviours, they lose agency. A "Start Over" button prevents lock-in and restores user control.

Solution

Add visible controls that let users reset AI state and restart interactions.

Implementation Example

Pseudocode: Framework-agnostic code showing the core logic and approach. Adapt the syntax and methods to your specific technology stack.

// Pseudocode:
// Add a "Start Over" button to let users reset the AI's state
<button onClick={() => resetSessionContext()}>Start Over</button>

function resetSessionContext() {
  // Clear conversation history
  setMessages([]);
  // Reset form state
  setFormData({});
  // Clear AI context
  setAiContext(null);
}

🧠 What this does: Gives users a way to reset AI state and start fresh when they feel stuck or want to change direction.

Try this:

•Add a "Start Over" button in chat UIs, forms, or decision tools
•Label it clearly ("Reset" or "Start Over")
•Clear memory, history, or context when pressed

Testing Checklist

  • □Reset button is always accessible
  • □AI state clears completely (no lingering context)
  • □Feedback confirms reset worked
  • □UX is clear on what "Start Over" does
  • □Works on mobile + accessibility tools

Related Patterns

Delegation Recovery Pattern

This pattern allows users to transfer AI tasks to human support when needed.

View Pattern→

Exit Recovery Pattern

This pattern ensures users can easily stop, cancel, or exit AI interactions at any point.

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→
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