June 25, 2025
Because I am a website designer, and love it, I always have lurking thoughts about if AI will remove me from what I enjoy. The answer is a resounding, “No.”
The other day I have a conversation with Grok and Perplexity about AI website design versus humans.
For sure, they save me tons of time doing researching and formatting it into nice tables. But, the content is not always accurate. In fact, probably 50% of the time when I dig into what they provide there is some adjustment to be made.
I don’t mind and I am not discount AI services. They come in handy. There are a few other items that I think will take some time for AI to conquer in website design. For now, my lips are sealed. But I will be updating this page, or publishing a new page, at the needs demand on this ongoing collaboration with AI and humans thickens.
The data tables below are provide by Perplexity and Grok. For sure with AI, the better the question you ask then the better the response.
AI is here to stay. I am always going to be using AI services, or one kind or another, going forward
Steu
Speed and Efficiency:
AI-powered tools (e.g., Wix ADI, Bookmark, or The Grid) can generate functional websites in minutes by analyzing user inputs, preferences, or existing content. This is significantly faster than human designers, who may take days or weeks to complete a project.
Automation of repetitive tasks like layout generation, color palette selection, and image optimization saves time.
Cost-Effectiveness: AI platforms often offer affordable subscription models or one-time fees, making them accessible for small businesses or individuals who may not afford professional designers.
Reduces the need for extensive human labor, lowering overall project costs.
Data-Driven Personalization: AI analyzes user data (e.g., browsing behavior, demographics) to create tailored designs that optimize user engagement and conversions.
Tools like Framer or Zyro use AI to suggest design elements based on industry trends or target audience preferences.
Consistency and Scalability: AI ensures consistent design elements (e.g., typography, spacing) across pages, reducing human error.
Scalable for large projects, such as generating multiple landing pages or adapting designs for different devices (responsive design).
Accessibility Improvements: AI tools can automatically implement accessibility features (e.g., alt text for images, WCAG compliance) to make websites more inclusive, often with less oversight than human designers require.
Continuous Optimization:
AI systems can monitor website performance post-launch, suggesting real-time improvements (e.g., A/B testing layouts, tweaking CTAs) based on user interactions.
Lack of Emotional and Creative Depth:
AI lacks the nuanced creativity and emotional intuition that human designers, like you, bring to projects. It relies on patterns and data, which may result in generic or formulaic designs that lack a unique "soul" or storytelling element.
Humans excel at understanding cultural or emotional contexts that AI might misinterpret or overlook.
Limited Customization: Many AI tools operate within predefined templates or frameworks, restricting flexibility for highly bespoke or innovative designs.
Humans can push boundaries with experimental layouts or unconventional aesthetics that AI may not yet support.
Over-Reliance on Algorithms: AI may prioritize data-driven decisions over subjective client preferences, leading to designs that feel impersonal or misaligned with a brand’s vision.
Risk of "cookie-cutter" outputs if the AI is trained on limited or biased datasets.
Learning Curve for Complex Tools: While AI simplifies some tasks, mastering advanced AI design platforms (e.g., Adobe Sensei integrations) may require technical knowledge, which could be a barrier for non-technical users.
Human designers often adapt more intuitively to client feedback without needing extensive tool-specific training.
Ethical and Bias Concerns: AI may perpetuate biases in design (e.g., favoring certain demographics based on training data), potentially alienating diverse audiences.
Humans are better equipped to critically assess and mitigate ethical issues in design choices.
Dependence on Technology: AI tools require reliable internet, software updates, and platform subscriptions, which can be limiting in low-resource environments.
Human designers can work with minimal tools (e.g., pen and paper for sketches) and are less dependent on tech infrastructure.
Strengths of Human Designers:
You bring empathy, cultural awareness, and storytelling to designs, creating emotional connections with users that AI struggles to replicate.
Your ability to interpret vague or complex client briefs allows for tailored solutions that align with unique brand identities.
You can innovate beyond existing patterns, creating trendsetting designs that AI might not conceive.
Where AI Complements Human Website Designers: AI can handle repetitive or data-heavy tasks (e.g., generating wireframes, optimizing images), freeing you to focus on creative strategy and client relationships.
Tools like Canva’s AI features or Figma’s plugins can enhance your workflow by suggesting design variations or automating asset creation.
AI analytics can provide insights into user behavior, helping you refine designs with data-backed decisions.
Collaboration Potential: The future of website design likely involves hybrid workflows where humans and AI collaborate. For example, you could use AI to generate initial layouts or A/B test designs, then refine them with your creative expertise to ensure originality and alignment with client goals.
June 27, 2025
Ideal for startups and individuals who want to create websites quickly without upfront costs. They often include branding and limited features but offer affordable upgrade paths. They provide intuitive drag-and-drop editors, AI chatbots for guided design, and professionally designed templates to speed up site creation.
Offer more advanced features, including ecommerce, marketing integrations, custom domains, and higher performance. They are suited for businesses requiring robust, scalable websites with professional support and extensive customization. Prices range from budget-friendly to premium tiers depending on features and complexity.
AI Website Builder | Free Option? | Starting Cost (Monthly) | Key Benefits | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free AI Website Builders | ||||
Jimdo | Yes (with branding) | Free; Paid from $9 | Easy to use, affordable upgrades, all-in-one platform for basic sites, stores, and bookings | Free plan includes ads and Jimdo branding |
Wix ADI | Yes (with branding) | Free; Paid from $4.50 | Quick site creation, beginner-friendly, extensive templates, AI chatbot guides design | Free plan includes Wix branding and domain; paid plans from $17 for full features |
Framer | Yes (with branding) | Free; Paid from $10 | Great for designers, AI-assisted design, hobby projects | Free plan includes Framer branding; paid plans remove branding and add features |
Durable | Yes | Free; Paid from $12 | Fast development, drag-and-drop editor, hosting and analytics included | Good for quick portfolio and business sites |
Studio AI | Yes (free forever plan) | Free; Paid from $9 (annual) | Natural language processing, voice command design | Simplifies web design for companies |
ZipWP | Yes | Free; Paid from $9 | Best for WordPress sites, fast AI generation | Focused on WordPress integration |
Hocoos | Yes | Free; Paid from $15 | Good for testing AI builders, free trial available | AI testing focus |
Premium AI Website Builders | ||||
Wix (full version) | Limited free plan | From $17 to $159 | Mature ecosystem, drag-and-drop builder, ecommerce, booking, blogging, AI chat assistant | Best for most users needing full-featured sites |
Shopify | No free plan | From $39 | Best for ecommerce, AI virtual agent for customer service, robust store features | AI helps with store setup and management |
Hostinger | No free plan | From $2.99 | Budget-friendly, fast loading, good for portfolios and small business sites | Affordable and fast setup |
Squarespace | Free trial (14 days) | From $16 to $49 | Stunning AI designs, guided AI design process, great for beginners | Strong design focus, good for creatives and businesses |
Unbounce | Free trial (14 days) | From $99 | Best for landing pages and marketing, omnichannel marketing tools | Focus on conversion and marketing |
Sitekick | No free plan | From $49 | AI-generated copy and images, high-performing landing pages | No-code builder with AI content generation |
10Web | No free plan | From $10 | Good for small businesses with budget restrictions | WordPress AI builder |
B12 | No free plan | From $49 | Professional service sector focus | AI-assisted professional websites |
GoDaddy | Free plan | From $9.99 to $20.99 | AI-powered social content and calendars, easy site building | Includes AI tools for social media content |
Dorik AI | Yes | Free; Paid from $18 | Professional sector focus, AI-assisted design | Suitable for professionals |