Pattern Summary

Handoff + Resume is a continuity pattern where the agent preserves state, context, or progress across sessions, users, or channels, and intelligently picks up where things left off. It reduces friction in multi-touch workflows and strengthens the sense that the agent is a reliable, persistent collaborator.

When to Use It

Use Handoff + Resume when:

  • Users leave and return to incomplete workflows
  • Tasks span multiple systems, people, or timeframes
  • Conversations pause and need to continue later without rework
  • Context must persist across mobile, web, or desktop

Examples include resuming a form mid-fill, continuing a support chat after logout, or reactivating a saved draft proposal days later.

How It Works

  1. Capture State: The agent stores relevant inputs, intents, metadata, and session markers
  2. Monitor for Return: Watches for conditions to resume (e.g., same user, new device, time delay)
  3. Re-activate Context: Retrieves and surfaces the saved state seamlessly
  4. Prompt Next Step: Agent reorients user and nudges toward the next logical action

Fit Assessment

Use this pattern if:

  • Users often pause mid-task
  • Sessions are async or multi-device
  • Flow completion rates drop due to interruptions

Avoid if:

  • Tasks are ultra-short or atomic
  • Context decays quickly or can’t be reliably stored
  • Resuming introduces more confusion than starting fresh

Acceptable Dependencies

✅ Stable session or identity tracking
✅ Context capture and secure storage
✅ Resume logic tuned to task structure
✅ Cross-device or cross-channel support (if needed)

Unacceptable Dependencies

❌ Long-term storage of sensitive context without consent
❌ Resume triggers based on ambiguous signals
❌ Resumption that assumes user intent without confirmation

Implementation Starter Guide

  • Define which workflows benefit most from resume behavior
  • Decide what context is essential and how to serialize it
  • Use clear visuals or prompts to reorient returning users
  • Allow opt-out or manual restart for user control

Example: Resuming a Loan Application

User fills out 60% of a loan form and exits. When they return:

"Welcome back - ready to finish your application? We saved your progress at step 4."

[Resume] [Edit Previous] [Start Over]

Strategic Value

  • Reduces drop-off in long flows
  • Builds continuity across journeys
  • Reinforces the agent as a smart, reliable assistant

Handoff + Resume bridges gaps - so the user feels like nothing was lost.

Tags

Pattern Type: Continuity, Session Management, Cross-Channel
Scope: Multi-session, Multi-device, Multi-user
Recommended UI Modes: Banner Prompt, Welcome Back Card, Notification