claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix [FEATURE] AskUserQuestion shouldn't steal focus / interrupt active typing

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

I often get interrupted when typing an instruction to Claude Code because of a permission or user question prompt. This can have real consequences if I happen to type the character that matches a choice.

Currently AskUserQuestion takes focus / overlays the composer when it fires, even if you're mid-sentence.

Proposed Solution

I'd like to request a setting that defers the prompt until your input is idle.

Alternative Solutions

No response

Priority

High - Significant impact on productivity

Feature Category

Interactive mode (TUI)

Use Case Example

Context I often type follow-up instructions or extra context into the Claude Code composer while Claude is still working on the previous turn. When Claude fires an AskUserQuestion prompt during that time, the question UI takes over the input area and interrupts what I'm typing — sometimes discarding partial input, sometimes making me lose my train of thought.

Current behavior

• Claude finishes a tool call and decides to ask a clarifying question via AskUserQuestion.
• The question UI renders immediately and grabs focus / replaces the composer.
• My in-progress message is interrupted mid-sentence.

Desired behavior

• If the composer has unsent text (or the user has typed within the last few seconds), defer rendering the AskUserQuestion UI.
• Show a non-intrusive indicator that Claude has a pending question (e.g. a badge or inline note).
• Surface the question only once the composer is empty/idle, or when the user explicitly dismisses their draft / sends their message.

Why it matters

• Preserves user input — no lost drafts.
• Keeps the user in control of when to context-switch to answering Claude.
• Still allows Claude to ask questions freely; it just respects active typing, similar to how good notification systems defer alerts during active input.

Out of scope

• Disabling AskUserQuestion entirely (already possible via permissions).
• Changing when Claude decides to ask — only when the UI presents the question.

Additional Context

No response