In a recent LinkedIn post, Rahul Kumar explores the persistent friction users encounter when learning new software and proposes that Artificial Intelligence offers a powerful solution to this long-standing problem. Kumar contrasts the traditional, often inefficient, methods of learning software with a new approach exemplified by a tool called Guidy, which aims to integrate guidance directly into the user experience.
Kumar begins by detailing a common, frustrating workflow: getting stuck, opening new tabs, searching for tutorials, watching videos, pausing, rewinding, and repeating the process. He highlights the inefficiency this creates, noting how tasks that should be simple can become time-consuming ordeals.
“What should have taken five minutes often turned into thirty. The strange part is that we accepted this as normal.”
The Problem of Software Friction
Kumar argues that despite significant advancements in AI across various fields like coding, design, and data analysis, the fundamental approach to user onboarding and support within software has remained largely unchanged. The default solution for users encountering difficulties is still often directing them to external tutorials or help articles.
He points out that the biggest barrier to productivity isn’t necessarily a lack of user capability, but rather the inherent friction within software interfaces and learning processes. These are the small, disruptive moments where users pause, search, wait, and lose their momentum.
AI as a Friction Reducer
The core of Kumar’s insight lies in how AI can fundamentally shift this paradigm. He introduces Guidy as an example of a tool that moves away from external help resources and embeds step-by-step guidance directly within the software interface, allowing users to learn and perform tasks simultaneously.
“Instead of sending you to another tab, it stays with you inside the software and guides you step by step while you’re actually doing the task.”
According to Kumar, the true innovation is not just the AI itself, but the underlying philosophy: software should adapt to users, not the other way around. This adaptive approach, he suggests, has the potential for a far greater impact on productivity than many might initially realize.
A Shift Towards Experiential Learning
Kumar characterizes this evolution as a move from software that merely ‘tells’ users what it can do, to software that actively ‘shows’ them how to do it. This shift, in his view, is a significant development in the user experience landscape.
“We’re moving from software that tells us what it can do to software that shows us how to do it. And that shift feels important.”
He emphasizes that by removing the small moments of friction, AI can unlock substantial gains in user efficiency and overall productivity. This perspective frames AI not just as a tool for complex tasks, but as a critical enabler of smoother, more intuitive user interactions with technology.
Kumar concludes by inviting feedback and support for Guidy’s Product Hunt launch, underscoring his belief in the importance of this user-centric, AI-driven approach to software interaction.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Rahul Kumar on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on June 23, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →