Modes

Joule / Patterns / Modes

Intro

The mode selector allows users to apply a thinking mode to their next prompt in Joule. Thinking modes change how Joule processes and responds to the user's message, enabling specialized capabilities like deep research. The mode selector shares an entry point with attachments through the “+” icon button in the input field.

Mode selector list in compact Joule panel (left) and expanded Joule panel (right)

Usage

Do

  • Use the mode selector when users need to change how Joule generates its response.
  • Display the selected thinking mode as a chip in the input field when a non-default mode is active.

Don't

  • Do not allow multiple thinking modes to be selected at the same time.
  • Do not change the override hierarchy. Thinking modes and agents may be overridden by each other or by an attachment.
  • Do not display the "Voice Mode" button when an active chip is present. Replace it with the "Send" button in its default state until the user inputs a text message.
  • Chips follow a priority hierarchy. Attachment > Agent/Thinking mode. Agents and thinking modes can override each other, but neither can override an attachment.
  • While an attachment chip is active, the “+” and “@” icons are disabled until the attachment is removed.
  • The “Default” thinking mode is always selected by default and is not displayed as a chip.
  • At most one chip may be displayed at a time.

Anatomy

Attachment & Mode Selector Sheet

A. Thinking Modes List

The thinking modes list displays the list of available thinking modes. Each thinking mode will display a unique icon avatar and label. The “Default” thinking mode is always selected by default.

Anatomy of the thinking mode list within the attachment & mode selector sheet

Mode Chip

A. Chip

The chip displays the applied thinking mode. It includes an associated icon, label, and "x" icon to remove the chip.

Anatomy of a mode chip

Behavior and Interaction

Selecting a Thinking Mode

Users can select a thinking mode by tapping the “+” icon button. Once the user selects a new mode, the attachment and mode selector bottom sheet will close, and the thinking mode will be displayed as a chip within the input field. “Default” thinking mode is selected by default.

Selecting a thinking mode

Removing a Thinking Mode

Users may remove the thinking mode by tapping the chip in the input field. The thinking mode will revert to default which is not displayed as a chip but is indicated as selected within the thinking mode list.

Removing a thinking mode

Overriding a Thinking Mode

At most one chip may be displayed at a time. Thinking modes and agents may be overridden by each other or by an attachment. An attachment cannot be overridden.

Overriding a thinking mode

States

The mode selector acts as a radio button list. Therefore, there is always one mode that must be selected at most. The selected mode is displayed in the selected state while all other modes are displayed in the unselected state within the thinking mode list.

Variations

Chip - Attachment
The attachment chip is displayed with a file type icon, file name label, and “x” (remove) icon. An attachment chip carries the highest priority and cannot be overridden by a thinking mode or agent. The “+” and “@” icons are disabled while an attachment chip is active.

Chip - Thinking Mode
The thinking mode chip is displayed with an associated icon, label, and “x” (remove) icon. A thinking mode can be overridden by another thinking mode, an agent, or an attachment.

Chip - Agent
The agent chip is displayed with an associated icon, label, and “x” (remove) icon. An agent can be overridden by a thinking mode, another agent, or an attachment.

Variations of attachment (top), thinking mode (middle), and agent (bottom) chips

Adaptive Design

The attachment and mode selector sheet always fill the width of the Joule panel.

An active chip has a max width of 250 pt. When the label exceeds the available space, it truncates – middle truncation for attachment labels, and end truncation for mode and agent labels. The chip does not wrap into a new line.

Long chip in an expanded Joule panel

Resources

Joule for iOS: Modes