Just like many technologies, the internet has come a very long way since its birth. Back in the day, the internet was coded using HTML, and while this provided us with the core basics we needed to surf and access the information we needed, it was far from pretty. Fast-forward a quarter of a century and thanks to the evolution of web design, we now have websites that catch the eye and provide high levels of functionality.
However, like any industry, web design is not resting on its laurels, and it is now clear that the next bold step is through the creation of websites using AI (artificial intelligence). Although still in its infancy, ADI (artificial design intelligence) technology could automate a lot of the processes of web design. Essentially, we could have AI building websites for us.
This article takes a closer look at what this technology could mean for the future of web design. We delve into the technology itself, how it would shape the industry, and what this might mean for those already working in this profession.
Simply put, this is a technology designed to create websites on its own. Via machine learning technology, it can identify what a user wants before coming up with a website matching what the user wants. As mentioned, this technology is still in its infancy, but many companies have begun exploring and developing ADI technology.
For instance, Wix, a leading website builder, already utilises AI in its ADI features. When you make a website using Wix, the platform will ask you questions about what you want from your website, what it is for, and what tools you want to add. It will ask about the style, colours, content, and whether you have a logo. Once the platform has all the answers it needs, it will design several templates based on them. If one appeals, you select it.
Of course, you can further customise the templates designed by the ADI using Wix’s editor until completely satisfied. The ADI elements that Wix and other website builders already provide is just the tip of the iceberg.
However, these platforms are already showing what this technology, even in its early stages, can do. They already allow us to build our own websites with no need for designers. Website builder platforms give us the ability to create websites from thousands of customisable templates. By using drag-and-drop features, we then just have to place content and design elements into their preferred position. All this requires less time and expense compared to hiring a designer.
What is the Reasoning Behind Creating ADI?
Artificial intelligence is a term that scares many people. The thought of machines having the ability to learn and automate many of the tasks that we do is not something some are comfortable with. However, in terms of web design, the goal is quite clear. It is to give people the ability to have a website developed without the need to do it themselves or to hire an expensive web designer/developer.
Currently, anyone that wants a new website has two options. They either pay somebody else to design and build it, or do it themselves either through coding or a website builder platform. The former requires a lot of investment, in both time and money, while the latter requires a bit of time and a certain level of knowledge.
The idea of ADI technology is to give us a third option, an option that takes away the need for time, expense, and knowledge. The technology will be able to understand design principles, understand what other websites have done, notice current trends, and design a website with minimal human input. It would enable us to create websites without experience and without having to hire expensive designers.
What Would This Mean for the Future of Web Design?
First, this is a technology that still has some way to go before it provides a fully automated solution that requires little human involvement. Wix and other companies have been developing ADI for several years, but while they will offer ADI elements, the tech is still very young.
However, many worry about the harm this would do to the web design/developer profession. Why would we need them if artificial intelligence were to perform their job to an adequate standard? An argument put forward suggests that this would essentially free up those in these professions to have more time on the creative side of design. Essentially, ADI technology would become the assistant of designers and developers.
A lot of the processes involved in web development is something that requires little creative input. Automating these aspects of web development would just give the developers more time to focus on the creative and aesthetic aspects of web design.
Those with fears against ADI argue that creativeness would just get replaced with websites that function well but lack creativity or uniqueness. However, many businesses just want a semi-polished website that functions to a decent level. This technology will provide that while anyone that wants to stand out from the competition will have to hire designers and developers at the top end of the scale.
Takeaway
ADI automated web design is coming. It is a when, not an if, and once it arrives, it will enable businesses of all shapes and sizes to have their websites developed in an automated way. We will still need developers and designers but a lot of what they currently do will be done via this technology. As the technology develops further still, this might change but as of right now, web designers should not worry too much.
That said, with many companies developing ADI for several years it is easy to see why it might sit uncomfortably with many. Ultimately, we will have to see which company fully cracks the technology first before we can judge how beneficial it is.
