Will AI replace UX designers?

Did you know that experts predict that AI could replace 40 percent of all jobs by 2035?

That’s an insane statistic.

But, because of the sheer power of the technology, it’s also quite likely. Artificial intelligence can already do numerous tasks that were unimaginable ten years ago, and now it has its sights set on user experience (UX) designers.

The rise of AI design

The rise of AI design is spectacular.

But what is artificial intelligence?

The definition of AI is actually surprisingly vague. IBM, for instance, say that it is “the ability of a computer or machine to mimic the capabilities of the human mind—learning from examples and experience.”

But when you think about it, this definition makes a lot of sense.

For instance, in the past, computers couldn’t engage in creative web design. They had no idea what made for a good user interface (UI). But thanks to clever principles, such as neural networks, they now can. Looking at millions of model examples, this lets them replicate their essential features, and they can do it way faster than a human ever could.

Creative web design, therefore, is now turning a corner. Artificial design intelligence (ADI) systems are now able to creatively construct UIs from the ground up, like a human designer.

The first example of AI in web design was The Grid. This platform allowed people to build websites using heuristic tools. All users had to do was drag and drop elements to create beautiful, bespoke web pages.

Since 2014, developers iterated on this technology and many are using AI in web design, meaning users don’t have to code at all. They simply drag and drop to create a suitable user experience.

Will AI replace UX designers?

Whether AI will replace UX designers depends on the degree to which the technology develops. Currently, AI-powered platforms still require substantial human input. While AI manages the background code, and the creative process is the responsibility of the human designer, who must choose the content and final visual arrangements.

Artificial intelligence vs Machine learning: what is the difference?

This leads us onto an important point: AI and machine learning are not the same things.

Strictly speaking, machine learning is a statistical process. A software system receives data inputs and then generates an output, based on an objective it has.

However, AI is much broader than that, encompassing all forms of synthetic intelligence. Therefore, machine learning is just one tool of AI. The number of technologies that could fall under the artificial intelligence umbrella is much larger.

A generally artificially intelligent system would be able to replicate all of the functions of web designers. And that would include all their imaginative and creative flourishes.

Currently, AIs can’t do that, as they have limited ability to take over the creative process.

Examples of AI in UX designers’ work

ADIs, however, are getting more advanced. There are now many examples of them replacing UX designer work.

Selecting website templates

For instance, there are a few that may use a system that selects from billions of design combinations to create unique outputs for the user. Users enter various inputs and then software settles on an optimal design for them. It bases its decisions on personal preferences, business activity and customer interactions.

Recommendation engines

AI is also finding its way into recommendation engines. The idea here is to show customers the most valuable content based on their histories. Netflix, for instance, already does this when making streaming recommendations. And so too, do many other brands, including Amazon.

Optimisation techniques

AI is also helping to optimise the website creation process. Adobe, for instance, offers Sensei, a machine learning platform that helps with many UX aspects. It lets users:

• Predict customer behaviour based on various attributes
• Deliver one-on-one customer experiences at scale
• Optimise customer experience via real-time data collection

Improving the chatbot experience

Delivering on the promise of artificial intelligence, future technologies will also require chatbot improvements.

Consumers want to ask companies questions via apps. Although they also want the sense that they are speaking with a real person, not a robot. In the past, this problem was profound. But today’s bots are learning to respond like people.

The bottom line

AI may eventually replace UX designers as technology advances. But until then, businesses will still require human designers.

As a web design agency in London, we understand the value of AI in web design. It isn’t a combative relationship. In fact, when humans and machines work together, they can produce some of the best outcomes.

iCentric Agency has been recognized as one of Top Web Design Companies in London by DesignRush

Get in touch