User Story:
As a user, I want to be able to scroll up to review previous messages
while the AI is streaming or adding new content, without being
constantly dragged back to the bottom.
Implementation:
- Replaced position-based threshold detection with user-intent tracking
- Detects when user scrolls UP and disables auto-scroll completely
- Auto-scroll only re-enables when user manually returns to bottom (<5px)
- Uses refs to track scroll position and direction for smooth operation
- Works seamlessly during rapid token streaming and tool execution
Technical Details:
- lastScrollTopRef: Tracks previous scroll position to detect direction
- userScrolledUpRef: Flag set when upward scrolling is detected
- Direct scrollTop manipulation for instant, non-fighting scroll behavior
- Threshold of 5px from absolute bottom to re-enable auto-scroll
Spec Updates:
- Added comprehensive Smart Auto-Scroll section to UI_UX.md
- Documented the problem, solution, requirements, and implementation
- Includes code examples and edge case handling
Acceptance Criteria Met:
✅ Auto-scroll disabled when scrolling up
✅ Auto-scroll resumes when returning to bottom
✅ Works normally when already at bottom
✅ Smooth detection without flickering
✅ Works during streaming and tool execution
Files Changed:
- src/components/Chat.tsx: Implemented user-intent tracking
- .living_spec/specs/functional/UI_UX.md: Added Smart Auto-Scroll spec
- .living_spec/stories/22_smart_autoscroll.md: Marked complete
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