Enhance Claude With User Input Hooks For Improved Interaction

In the realm of AI-driven assistance, Claude stands out as a powerful tool. However, like any sophisticated system, there's always room for improvement. One area where Claude could shine even brighter is in its handling of user input. Currently, when Claude pauses to await user input, such as during an interactive prompt like AskUserQuestion, there's no immediate, configurable hook that triggers. This can lead to missed interactions and reduced productivity. Let's dive into why adding a hook for user input is crucial and how it can significantly enhance the Claude experience.

The Problem: Missing Notifications and Lost Productivity

The core issue lies in the lack of timely notifications when Claude requires user input. Imagine you're working on a complex project, and you've tasked Claude with helping you build a feature. Claude, being the helpful AI it is, encounters a situation where it needs clarification. It presents you with a multi-select UI via AskUserQuestion. Now, you, being a multitasking human, might have tabbed away to another window while waiting for Claude's response. Here's where the problem arises: Claude sits there, patiently waiting for your input, but you have no immediate way of knowing it needs your attention. The existing hooks, such as the Stop hook, only fire when Claude finishes completely, not when it's merely waiting for input. Similarly, the Notification hook with idle_prompt has limitations – it only fires after 60+ seconds of idle time and only if the terminal isn't focused. This delay is far from ideal, especially when dealing with interactive prompts that require prompt responses.

This lack of immediate notification can significantly impact productivity. You might be engrossed in another task, completely unaware that Claude is waiting for your input. The result? Delays, interruptions in your workflow, and a less-than-seamless interaction with Claude. The goal is to create a more responsive and intuitive experience, where you're immediately alerted when Claude needs your input, allowing you to address it promptly and keep the workflow flowing smoothly.

Proposed Solutions: Immediate Hooks for Enhanced Interaction

To address this challenge, two primary solutions have been proposed, each with its own merits. The first option is to introduce a new hook, such as WaitingForInput or Yield, that fires whenever Claude relinquishes control back to the user. This would include scenarios like AskUserQuestion prompts and permission dialogs. This dedicated hook would provide a clear and immediate signal that Claude needs attention, ensuring that users are promptly notified.

The second solution involves expanding the functionality of the existing Stop hook. Currently, the Stop hook only fires when Claude has completely finished its task. By modifying it to also fire when Claude is waiting for input, we can leverage an existing mechanism to provide the necessary notifications. This approach could simplify the implementation and ensure consistency in how hooks are handled within the system.

Regardless of the chosen solution, the key is to ensure that the hook fires immediately when Claude pauses for input. This immediacy is crucial for maintaining a smooth workflow and preventing unnecessary delays. By providing a timely notification, users can quickly respond to Claude's request, allowing the AI to continue its work without interruption.

Exploring Alternative Solutions and Their Limitations

Before proposing these solutions, alternative approaches were explored, each with its own limitations. The Stop hook, as mentioned earlier, only fires upon complete finish, making it unsuitable for this scenario. The Notification hook with the permission_prompt matcher only covers permission dialogs, leaving out the crucial AskUserQuestion case. The idle_prompt notification, with its 60-second delay and focus requirement, falls short of providing the immediate feedback needed for interactive prompts.

These limitations highlight the need for a dedicated solution that specifically addresses the issue of user input. A workaround that covers all scenarios, particularly the AskUserQuestion interactive prompt, is essential for creating a truly seamless user experience.

Prioritizing User Input Hooks: A Matter of Productivity

The priority for implementing these user input hooks is high, primarily due to the significant impact on productivity. A system that promptly notifies users when their input is needed ensures a smoother workflow and reduces the chances of delays. By minimizing interruptions and keeping users informed, these hooks can contribute to a more efficient and satisfying interaction with Claude.

Imagine the scenario described earlier: you're working on a feature, Claude presents a multi-select UI, and you've tabbed away. Without a hook, Claude sits idle, waiting for your response. With the proposed feature, a configured hook would play a chime the moment the question appears. This immediate auditory cue would prompt you to switch back, answer the question, and allow Claude to continue working without delay. This simple change can have a profound impact on your overall productivity and experience.

The Use Case: A Seamless Interaction with Claude

To further illustrate the importance of user input hooks, let's revisit the use case. You're asking Claude to help you build a feature. Claude utilizes AskUserQuestion to present a multi-select UI, seeking clarification on specific aspects. You, being the busy individual you are, have tabbed away to another window while waiting. Without a hook, Claude sits there, silently awaiting your input. You have no immediate indication that it needs your attention. With the proposed feature, a chime would sound the instant the question appears. This auditory cue would immediately alert you, prompting you to switch back, answer the question, and allow Claude to proceed with its task. This seamless interaction is the goal – a system that keeps you informed and engaged, ensuring that your workflow remains uninterrupted.

The Broader Context: Enhancing Interactive AI Tools

The need for user input hooks extends beyond the specific AskUserQuestion tool. Similar interactive tools that require user input would also benefit from this enhancement. The lack of a hookable event for these scenarios is an oversight, especially considering that other