Newbie alert! but I would have expected the text helper UI to be a simple editable text field with a enter/submit/validate button…
1- Why does it need to open a clunky window showing its log history?!
and
2- Is there a way to just have a simple editable text field in the Dashboard UI?
Not sure I understand your answer. I haven’t seen any input_text type entity card?
Are you referring to a specific existing entity card that has a built-in input_text field on it; like the Alexa media player mini player card? If so, that’s of no use to me.
What I want to know is if there is a way to create my own simple input_text field in a dashboard and act on it in automation based on what it contains, status change, etc.? "
Maybe I should rephrase that and ask: "How can I create my own dashboard entity with an input_text field on it?
Edit the dashboard and press add card or whatever it says.
Then find entities card.
Click on it.
Add your text helper as one of the entities in the list
Respectfully I think we don’t understand each other 
. I know how to use the builtin text helper but I don’t want to use it because of the way it works by opening a window and showing its history and logbbook info…
Did you try it?
As you can see from my image it is exactly what you are asking for.
So why not just try it?
The text helper entity at the top of my image has the state skriv_meddelande.
If I click on it, I can edit it.
That is what you are asking for.
I think he means he doesn’t like this view
It adds as a Tile Card but selecting the Entities Card(as you specified) fixes the issue.
I already tried it. I created a text helper and I put it on my dashboard. It doesn’t show up with an editable text field on the dashboard itself. The only option I have is to click on the card and then a new window opens with an editable text field in the upper right quadrant. Below it are the history and logbook of the helper…
Just like in the video of this guy that I followed.
Your are not understanding what @Hellis81 and I am saying
Add an Entities Card and select the text _input entity you created
Entities Card on the top, Tile Card is below.
OK! I finally understand. and it works!
Thanks guys for both providing a solution and being patient with me 
Happy to assist!
