AI features are everywhere in modern websites: recommendations, personalized dashboards, search suggestions, and notifications. But let’s be honest: most AI implementations frustrate users more than they help.
The problem isn’t AI itself. It’s using it out of context. Users don’t want an algorithm telling them who they are or what they need. They want helpful nudges, smart suggestions, and relevant content.
Here’s how you can add AI features to your website today without pushing users away. I’ve included some mini implementation tips and code snippets to get you started.
1. Smart but subtle product recommendations
What goes wrong: Recommending products aggressively, showing the same items over and over.
Solution: Use AI to recommend based on recent actions rather than every click.
Mini tip: Track a user’s last 3–5 actions and adjust recommendations dynamically.
//Example using simple JavaScript logic with user history
const userHistory = ['running shoes', 'water bottle', 'headphones'];
function recommendProducts(history, allProducts) {
return allProducts.filter(product =>
history.some(item => product.tags.includes(item))
).slice(0, 3);
}
const recommendations = recommendProducts(userHistory, allProducts);
console.log('Recommended products:', recommendations);
Keep recommendations small and rotate them often. Too many suggestions create noise.
2. Context-aware notifications
What goes wrong: Reminders and pop-ups trigger too often or at the wrong time.
Solution: Trigger notifications only when they are actually useful.
Mini tip: Check for user inactivity or relevant events before notifying.
# Example: Python pseudo-code for notification logic
def should_notify(user):
if user.last_action > 2*60*60: # 2 hours
if not user.dismissed_notifications:
return True
return False
Think like a user: “Would I care if this popped up now?” If not, don’t show it.
3. Dynamic search suggestions
What goes wrong: Autocomplete can overwhelm or suggest irrelevant results.
Solution: Make suggestions adaptive: prioritize recent searches, popular items, or exact matches.
// Example: Filter search suggestions based on query
const searchData = ['iPhone 14', 'iPhone case', 'iPhone charger', 'iPad Pro'];
function getSuggestions(query) {
return searchData.filter(item => item.toLowerCase().includes(query.toLowerCase())).slice(0, 5);
}
console.log(getSuggestions('iPhone')); // Shows top 5 matches
Limit the results and show them quickly. Users scan, they don’t read.
4. Adaptive content blocks
What goes wrong: Showing content without considering what the user just did.
Solution: Adjust sections on the page dynamically based on behavior or interests.
// Example: Show blog recommendations based on visited pages
const userVisited = ['React', 'NodeJS'];
const allBlogs = [
{ title: 'React Core Web Vitals', tags: ['React'] },
{ title: 'NodeJS Observability', tags: ['NodeJS'] },
{ title: 'CSS Tricks', tags: ['CSS'] }
];
const recommendedBlogs = allBlogs.filter(blog =>
blog.tags.some(tag => userVisited.includes(tag))
);
console.log('Recommended Blogs:', recommendedBlogs);
Avoid “static” personalization that assumes a user’s interest never changes.
5. Personalized dashboards or reports
What goes wrong: Forcing AI-generated dashboards on every user, even if they don’t care.
Solution: Make dashboards optional, with clear toggle controls.
<!-- Example: Simple toggle for a personalized dashboard -->
<label>
<input type="checkbox" id="enableDashboard" /> Show personalized dashboard
</label>
<script>
const toggle = document.getElementById('enableDashboard');
toggle.addEventListener('change', () => {
document.getElementById('dashboard').style.display =
toggle.checked ? 'block' : 'none';
});
</script>
Let users control personalization. It builds trust and avoids “pushy AI” feeling.
What’s your experience with AI-driven features on mobile/web apps? Have you found the perfect balance?
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