If you've opened the new ChatGPT desktop app and wondered where everything went, you're in good company.
OpenAI President Greg Brockman has admitted that the redesigned app is confusing, echoing criticism from users who struggled to understand its new interface after launch.
Speaking in a recent interview with tech journalist Joanna Stern, Brockman didn't defend the redesign. Instead, he agreed with the criticism.
"It's kind of a mess, we agree."
The candid admission comes just weeks after OpenAI rolled out one of the biggest changes to ChatGPT's desktop experience.
What Changed in the ChatGPT Desktop App?
On July 9, OpenAI replaced the traditional ChatGPT desktop application with a new all-in-one AI workspace.
The update merged ChatGPT with Codex, OpenAI's coding assistant, while introducing a new Work mode designed for longer, more autonomous tasks.
Instead of one simple interface, users suddenly had multiple ways to interact with ChatGPT:- Chat
- Work
- Codex
The original desktop version was renamed ChatGPT Classic, leaving many users unsure which version they should actually use.
Users Immediately Called the Interface Confusing
The redesign quickly sparked criticism across social media.
Many users couldn't understand the difference between Chat and Work, while others found switching between modes unnecessarily complicated.
Technology writer and investor M.G. Siegler described the experience as confusing in a widely shared post, while former OpenAI employee Lucas Beyer publicly questioned what separated Chat mode from Work mode.
Their reactions reflected what thousands of users were already experiencing.
OpenAI Says Work Is Built for Bigger Tasks
According to OpenAI engineers, Work is designed for complex, multi-step projects where AI agents can plan and complete larger workflows.
Examples include:
- Research reports
- Spreadsheet creation
- Long-form analysis
- Multi-step planning
Unlike Chat mode, Work can consume more AI resources and is intended for tasks that require greater autonomy.
The Interface Is Improving — But Still Isn't Perfect
Following user feedback, OpenAI released an update that made switching between Chat, Work, and Codex easier.
However, the experience still isn't fully consistent.
The desktop app currently defaults to Work, while the web version opens in Chat. Meanwhile, accessing Codex still requires navigating through a separate sidebar menu.
These inconsistencies continue to frustrate users moving between devices.
The Work Tab May Not Last Long
Brockman also revealed that the company doesn't expect the Work tab to remain part of ChatGPT forever.
OpenAI's long-term goal is a single, seamless interface that automatically understands what users want to accomplish without requiring them to switch between modes.
If everything goes according to plan, the separate Work tab could disappear before the end of the year.
OpenAI Doesn't Want to Call It a "Super App"
Although many people have described the redesigned ChatGPT as a "super app," Brockman says OpenAI doesn't use that label internally.
He joked that he regrets the phrase becoming associated with the product, suggesting the company's focus is on building a more natural AI experience rather than another all-in-one platform.
Why This Matters
OpenAI rarely acknowledges design mistakes so directly.
Brockman's comments signal that the company is listening closely to user feedback and is willing to rethink major product decisions if they make ChatGPT harder to use.
With millions relying on ChatGPT every day, simplifying the experience may become just as important as introducing new AI features.
As OpenAI continues refining its flagship product, users can expect more interface changes aimed at making ChatGPT feel less complicated—and more intuitive.