Smart
Search
Summary
To build AI expertise and drive user engagement, Blick experimented with a series of AI features. We deployed quickly and refined iteratively using user data. I redesigned an underperforming news chatbot into AI-assisted search and reading tools that helped readers find context and keep reading.
more page views for sessions starting the journey with the AI-enhanced search.
increase in session duration for users who engage with suggested questions.
of the AI-enhanced search input interactions enter only a single query.
Challenge
A new chatbot designed to answer questions about recent events proved too slow and cumbersome. Research showed that readers abandoned stories when they lacked background context. Leaving an article to search elsewhere interrupted their flow, making a return unlikely. We needed to deliver context quickly without replacing the underlying journalism or making AI feel tacked on.
Solution
We pivoted to an AI search that summarizes user queries using Blick’s article archives and suggests follow-up questions. Inside articles, we added contextual questions to answer likely knowledge gaps directly on the page. We also added short summaries at the top of long pieces so direct-traffic readers could get quick context before diving in. These tools connected fast answers to deeper reading.
Start with an answer
Search queries now return a brief AI summary above classic search results, citing relevant Blick articles. Showing these sources builds trust and reduces concerns about incorrect information. This layout follows the design pattern made popular by Google Search’s AI Overviews.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps
Instead of using standard article recommendations, a new context feature gives readers key background information directly inside the story, keeping them on Blick.
Sparking Curiosity
To help direct-traffic readers manage long articles, we are testing automated summaries. These spark curiosity by intentionally withholding the "how" and "why" of the story to encourage full reading. This tabbed layout moves readers from quick skimming into active reading, helping build long-term habits and increase reading time.