What you’ll learn
The problem: A website or app can be confusing when you’re not sure which button or menu to choose.
How AI can help: AI can suggest one possible next step based on what you describe, though its suggestion may be wrong.
In this lesson: You’ll describe a made-up screen and check whether a suggested step matches what you see.
What you’ll need: A phone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection and access to an AI chat. You can read the example here without opening a chat.
Before you start: Use the fictional screen below. Don’t share passwords, verification codes, account numbers, or private information from a real screen.
1. Open an AI chat
Open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab) or another AI chat you use. A free option is available, although access and limits can vary. If asked to sign in or create an account, follow the on-screen instructions.
Keep this lesson open so you can switch between the lesson and the AI chat. If this is new to you, try your first conversation with AI first.
2. Describe what you can see
Imagine you want to save a flyer as a PDF—a file you can print or share. This example describes an invented screen. Copy or type the whole request into the message box and send it:
Your first message:
I am practicing with a fictional flyer editor. I want a PDF copy to print. The visible menu choices are File, Edit, and Export. Suggest just one possible next step and wait for me to tell you what I see. Do not assume the file has been saved.
Need help copying and pasting?
On a computer: Select the message above. Copy it with Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on a Mac. Switch to your AI chat, click the message box, and paste with Ctrl+V or Command+V.
On a phone or tablet: Touch and hold the message, adjust the selection handles if needed, and choose Copy. Switch to your AI chat, touch and hold the message box, and choose Paste.
If a Copy button doesn’t work, use these steps or type the message yourself. After pasting, send the message.
3. Tell AI what appears next
For practice, imagine that choosing Export reveals choices labeled PNG, JPG, and PDF. In the same conversation, send this:
Your follow-up message:
The fictional Export menu now shows PNG, JPG, and PDF. I want a PDF. Suggest one possible next step, then wait. Do not say a file has been saved.
What a helpful answer might look like
This example was written for the lesson; it is not a recorded AI response. Your answer may use different words.
- Choose PDF if that is the visible option you want.
- Then tell me what appears next; don’t assume a file was saved.
4. Check the answer
Before relying on any suggestion, check:
- Does the suggested option match the labels you can actually see?
- Did AI give just one possible step and wait?
- Did it avoid claiming that the file was saved?
This is a fictional practice conversation, not a test of any real app or screenshot feature. In a real app, stop if the instructions don’t match what you see or you’re unsure what a button will do.
Try it with your own task
Choose a small task you can undo, such as finding a print preview. Tell AI what you want to do and type the labels you see. Ask for one step at a time. Don’t include personal details or take actions involving payments, account security, or deletion while you are unsure.
What if I get stuck?
I can’t find where to type. Look for the message box near the bottom of your AI chat.
The answer isn’t right. If AI names a control you can’t see, don’t guess. Say: “I don’t see that. These are the labels I can see: …” Stop and seek help if the next step is unclear.
I need copying help. Use “Need help copying and pasting?” above, or type the example yourself.
You’ve finished when: You’ve described a screen, asked for one possible next step, and checked it against the visible labels.
Try the next lesson: Find an answer in a product manual →
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