Henry Modisett: Perplexity’s VP of Design on embracing ambiguity and leading with curiosity

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Sep 3, 2025

Henry Modisett, VP of Design at Perplexity, brings a unique blend of computer science and design to the conversation. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing user experience, particularly with the introduction of Perplexity’s new browser, Comet. Henry emphasizes the importance of embracing ambiguity and curiosity in design, arguing that traditional UX methods often fall short in the AI landscape. He also shares insights on fostering trust in AI products and the collaborative synergy between design and engineering in startups.

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INSIGHT

Search + LLMs For Reliable Answers

Perplexity combines search with LLMs to make answers robust and up to date.
Henry says AI should power the product, not pretend to be a human conversationalist.

ADVICE

Introduce AI Through Familiar Interfaces

Meet people where they already are by keeping familiar browser patterns while adding AI features.
Offer gradual surprises so users discover new capabilities without feeling scared.

ADVICE

Delegate Web Tasks With Vague Instructions

Delegate tedious web workflows to AI agents by giving vague, natural instructions.
Let users intervene and take control when needed to keep trust and safety intact.

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AI isn’t just another layer in our digital toolkit—it’s reshaping the tools themselves, and in the process, transforming how we work, think, and solve problems.

Henry Modisett, VP of Design at Perplexity, is in a unique position to challenge many of the norms that have shaped tech for some time now. Perplexity just released a beautiful new browser called Comet that puts AI at the heart of the user experience. We have been thoroughly impressed with it all ready.

As a designer with a computer science background, Henry takes a unique approach to his work. Rather than designing in Figma like most of us mortals, he and his team design in React, building working versions of interfaces so they can use it while they shape it.

Henry shares how his team approaches the design of AI-native products, and why traditional UX patterns often fall short in this new landscape. We explore the role of curiosity in AI interaction, how transparency and trust are earned (not assumed), and why embracing ambiguity might just be the most human-centered design move of all.

By the way, you may have heard that we just launched the Design Better Toolkit, a collection of resources we love and use regularly. The Toolkit gets you major discounts and free access to tools and courses that will help you unlock new skills, make your workflow more efficient, and take your creativity further.

Perplexity just happens to be a part of this bundle. You’ll get 6 months free of Perplexity Pro (an $180 value), as well as credits and discounts on tools like Airtable, Read AI, and other tools, and courses like Prototyping with Cursor and more. To get access you’ll need to be a Design Better Premium member at the annual subscription level. Visit dbtr.co/toolkit to learn more.

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