Bo Chen Des


Gemini in Gmail
The Evolution of Sidekick

As the lead designer for the Gemini side panel in Gmail, I shaped the product’s UX strategy, interaction patterns, and visual system from MVP through post-launch. Rather than simply embedding the standalone Gemini app, we crafted a deeply tailored experience that meets users exactly where they work. As our first major initiative to integrate Generative AI into enterprise workflows, this project was a unique opportunity to put AI directly in users' hands. By defining everything from the core sidebar architecture to contextual inline patterns, we elevated Gmail’s core journeys and transformed the AI "Sidekick" into a true assistive partner.

LEAD DESIGNER • 2024  




1.0: THE MVP STRATEGY
We positioned the AI as a companion that works parallel to the inbox, not on top of it



2.0: FEATURE SPOTLIGHT  /  SUMMARIZATION


2.1: FEATURE SPOTLIGHT / SUGGEST A REPLY



2.2: FEATURE SPOTLIGHT / SHOW UNREAD EMAILS





2.3: FEATURE SPOTLIGHT / WIDER PANEL
2.4: FEATURE SPOTLIGHT / @MENTION




3.0: DESIGNING FOR TRUST
We designed guardrails to build user trust against AI bias and hallucinations



4.0 SIDEKICK ON MOBILE



5.0 RESULTS AND LEARNINGS



6.0 POST-LAUNCH & THE FUTURE