Pattern for Agentic Conversational Experience — guide-first interfaces where conversation replaces navigation
PACE (Pattern for Agentic Conversational Experience) is both a UX pattern and a JavaScript framework for building AI-guided interfaces.
Instead of presenting users with grids, menus, and navigation, PACE uses an AI guide to lead users through conversation.
import { PACE } from '@semanticintent/pace-pattern'
const pace = new PACE({
container: '#app',
products: './products.json',
aiAdapter: 'claude'
})
pace.mount()| Component | Purpose | User Need |
|---|---|---|
| Product | AI-guided catalog | "Help me find what I'm looking for" |
| About | Context and trust | "Who are you and why should I trust you?" |
| Chat | Conversational interface | "I want to ask questions" |
| Executive Summary | Real-time insights | "Show me what we've discussed" |
PACE isn't just an acronym — it's a 3D semantic matrix:
| P | A | C | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framework | Pattern | Agentic | Conversational | Experience |
| Principles | Proactive | Adaptive | Contextual | Efficient |
| Components | Product | About | Chat | Executive Summary |
Every vertical, horizontal, and diagonal path produces semantic coherence.
PACE is directly inspired by the foraging behavior of cormorants — diving waterbirds known for efficient, adaptive hunting strategies.
"The bird doesn't browse the pond hoping to bump into fish. It dives with intent, adjusts to conditions, and surfaces with exactly what it needs."
The first implementation, MillPond, features a guide named Cormorant who greets users with:
"Welcome to the pond. What are you fishing for?"
Read the Cormorant Connection →
| Traditional Storefront | PACE Pattern |
|---|---|
| Browse grid of products | Ask the guide |
| Navigate menus | Conversation flow |
| Search and filter | Natural language |
| Static pages | Dynamic dialogue |
| "Here are all our products" | "What are you fishing for?" |
PACE Pattern v1.0.1 is published on Zenodo: