How does AI influence the way we build websites?

I often get asked: “Michel, aren’t you worried that AI will take over web design and development?”. It’s a fascinating question, especially considering the rapid developments in AI technology. While AI is undoubtedly changing our industry, I firmly believe that web designers and developers will continue to play a crucial role. In this blog, I share my thoughts on AI and its implications for our work.

What exactly is AI changing?

AI is significantly impacting how we develop websites, from fixing bugs to data analysis. Tasks that used to take hours, like finding a coding error, can now be accomplished in minutes. We also use AI to gain insights and even generate visuals. Despite these advances, I don’t think AI will replace us.

Can AI truly create unique designs?

It’s tempting to think AI could handle the entire design process, but there’s a key limitation. AI can help create basic designs, but crafting unique, on-brand identities remains a challenge. What happens when you ask AI to design for a brand? The result may look impressive, but it often lacks the depth and nuance that genuinely fits a company. We’ve tried comparing AI-generated designs to ones we create in-house, and the difference is clear—AI struggles to convey a brand’s personality and emotion.

Where does AI’s role in web design end?

AI can do a lot, but it has limits. The biggest hurdle is knowing the precise input to yield a good result. It’s still a challenge to make AI produce something truly unique, professional, and aligned with a company’s needs. That’s where human touch comes in; we can see and adjust things that AI cannot.

What does AI mean for developers?

In web development, AI can certainly speed things up. Tasks like writing basic code or spotting errors can be done more efficiently. But AI doesn’t deliver complete custom solutions. The complexity and finesse often required in web development still demand human expertise. Our role is shifting toward overseeing and refining AI’s contributions. While AI is a valuable tool, we ensure the output meets our professional standards.

Will AI really take over web design?

So, do I see AI as a valuable tool in our work? Absolutely. But am I worried AI will fully take over web design and development? Not at all. AI makes some tasks simpler, but the expertise, creativity, and ability to craft unique solutions remain ours. Our roles might evolve, but we certainly won’t be replaced. In the future, we’ll increasingly use AI to make our work more efficient, but we’ll continue to oversee quality and final results. It’s a collaboration between human and machine, where we remain the creative minds behind each project.

Curious about the latest in AI development? Feel free to reach out for a coffee and a chat!