In recent years, AI-generated websites have taken the tech world by storm, offering a quick and easy solution for businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence without needing to hire a team of developers. Tools like Wix’s ADI, Bookmark, and others have made it possible for just about anyone to create a functional website with minimal effort. While these tools are undeniably impressive, they still have some glaring limitations that require human expertise to overcome.
I recently came across one of these quick AI-generated websites, and although the underlying code was well-formed and the user flow was implemented masterfully, I couldn’t help but notice a few issues that needed a bit of manual intervention. Despite the convenience AI tools offer, certain aspects of web design still demand the nuanced touch of human designers and developers.
1. Masterful Code, But Not Always Perfect
The first thing that stood out to me was how well-structured the code was. AI tools can now generate HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that follow best practices. The layout was clear, with each section of the site easily identifiable. It was clear that the AI had a decent grasp of how to create a user-friendly structure and flow. However, as anyone who has worked in web development knows, code isn’t always perfect, especially when dealing with more complex design nuances.
For example, while the basic structure of the page was responsive and well-organized, I found that certain elements had excessive padding or margins. This led to awkward spacing in some sections of the page, which would negatively affect the overall aesthetic. Sure, the AI did its best to create a polished look, but the little things—like perfect spacing, alignment, and visual harmony—still require that human eye and understanding of design principles.
2. User Experience Still Needs Human Intuition
User flow is one of the most crucial aspects of website design. While AI can produce a clear and logically structured navigation system, it lacks the intuitive design insights that human designers bring to the table. Websites are not just about presenting information; they’re about providing a seamless experience that feels natural to the user. For instance, AI might set up a “contact us” form, but it might not consider finer details like the placement of CTA buttons or the use of contrasting colors to guide the user’s attention effectively.
During my review of the AI-generated website, I realized that while the flow was functional, the site could benefit from more intentional design decisions. For example, the placement of key elements like “Sign Up” buttons or product listings felt slightly off. A human designer would typically consider user behavior and the psychology behind certain design choices, tweaking the layout to encourage engagement and interaction in ways an AI might not.
3. CSS Tweaks for a Polished Look
As I dove deeper into the site, I quickly identified a few areas that needed CSS intervention. Many of these were related to fine-tuning padding and margins. In one section, there was too much space between the header and the content below it, making the page feel disjointed. In another, images were placed too close together, creating a cluttered look.
AI tools can generate CSS, but they don’t always get the little things just right. A human developer, however, can make those tweaks effortlessly. Adjusting padding, margins, font sizes, and color schemes are small but significant tasks that elevate the user experience. AI can help lay the groundwork, but it’s the human touch that takes it from functional to fantastic.
4. SEO and Accessibility: Still Human Territory
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and accessibility are two other key areas where AI-generated websites often fall short. While AI can follow basic SEO guidelines like adding meta tags, alt text, and headings, it can miss out on subtler, yet critical, elements. Human expertise is still essential to ensure that a website is optimized for search engines in a way that is sustainable and effective in the long run.
Additionally, accessibility features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and proper contrast ratios are vital for inclusivity. AI-generated websites may handle these to an extent, but a human developer is necessary to ensure compliance with the latest accessibility standards.
5. The Need for Customization and Personalization
While AI tools do an excellent job of generating websites based on templates and predefined structures, personalization is another area where human input is indispensable. AI might generate a website based on certain preferences or inputs, but personal touches—like custom branding, tailored content, and unique design elements—often require hands-on development and design skills.
Branding isn’t just about a logo and color scheme; it’s about creating an emotional connection with users through every element of the site, from typography to imagery. Human designers understand this emotional aspect and can incorporate it into the website in ways that AI cannot replicate. Whether it’s a distinctive homepage hero image, custom animations, or even a specific type of content layout, humans bring an artistic element that’s still largely absent in AI-generated websites.
6. Conclusion: AI is a Powerful Tool, but Humans are Still Necessary
There’s no denying that AI-generated websites are a game-changer. They can save time, reduce costs, and make web design more accessible to non-developers. However, the idea that AI can completely replace human designers and developers is still far from reality. The best AI tools still require a human touch to fine-tune the details, optimize performance, and provide the nuanced understanding of user needs and design principles.
In the future, AI might become even more sophisticated, but for now, humans remain a critical part of the website creation process. AI can lay the foundation, but it’s us—designers, developers, and content creators—who make sure that foundation is polished, user-friendly, and truly reflective of the brand it represents.
So, while AI is making significant strides in the world of web design, don’t expect it to completely replace human creativity and expertise anytime soon. We may be able to let AI handle the heavy lifting, but when it comes to the finer details, the human element is still essential.