AI Chatbot App Checklist for 2025

Chatbots aren’t new. But the way we interact with them in 2025 has changed.

With tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini reshaping how users engage with language interfaces, designing a great AI chatbot app now means building for conversation, context, and calm.

This AI chatbot app checklist covers what matters — not just for tech functionality, but for real user experience.

💬 1. Clear Entry Point

•  Friendly, non-technical landing

•  Visible chat trigger or button

•  Onboarding that sets expectations (what it can/can’t do)

•  Optional system prompts or use-case templates

•  Fast, distraction-free start

Clarity before cleverness — always.

🧠 2. Chat UX That Feels Human, Not Robotic

•  Typing indicators

•  Real-time streaming or typing animation

•  Avatars, color separation, or formatting for role distinction

•  Support for voice input/output (optional but powerful)

•  Markdown support (bold, lists, links)

•  Tap-to-copy, regenerate, or edit prompts

🎯 The goal isn’t to mimic a human — it’s to be comfortably machine-like.

🧩 3. Input Design That Works for Many Styles

•  Long-form prompt support

•  Multi-turn memory (or clearly scoped interaction)

•  Voice input or mic toggle

•  Prompt suggestions or autocomplete

•  Keyboard return vs submit toggle

Make space for exploration without overwhelming the user.

🔐 4. Trust, Privacy & Safety Features

•  Session privacy settings (incognito or save history toggle)

•  System prompts or disclaimers about limitations

•  Easily view what data is being stored/shared

•  Export, delete, or anonymize conversation

•  Safe prompt flagging and feedback

This is what makes people feel safe experimenting.

🔁 5. Conversation Management

•  Threaded or saved chats

•  Custom system instructions per thread

•  Rename, duplicate, archive

•  Filter/search past threads

•  Light and dark mode (yes, still matters)

If it’s memory-based, users need control over memory.

📚 6. Multimodal or Plugin UX (Optional Layer)

•  File upload (PDF, CSV, image input)

•  App/plugin picker (tools, calculators, APIs)

•  Visual result rendering (charts, tables, image previews)

•  Plugin permission and limits

•  Tool activation log or indicator

These features must earn their screen time — don’t overwhelm core flows.

🧱 7. Design System Structure

•  Tokens for spacing, color, and typography

•  Reusable chat bubble, form, and control components

•  Mobile-first layout

•  Figma Variants and Auto Layout for scaling

•  Dark/light mode handled at the token level

If you're building with reuse in mind, Sigma Design System has the building blocks. If you're thinking about behavior, User Psychology 3 will help frame your UX choices around cognitive clarity.

💬 Final Thought

A great AI chatbot app doesn’t try to be human.
It tries to be useful, clear, and trustworthy.

Use this checklist to design with care — from first tap to final output.
Because when the interface gets out of the way, the conversation can shine.