How I use ChatGPT to build Web Designs (But UI UX failed!)

If you're a fan of no-code design challenges, then you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we'll explore how I used ChatGPT to build a website footer and see whether it beats manual work in terms of design and user experience. As a participant in livelearning.editorx.io challenges and an avid learner, I'm always on the lookout for new ways to improve my design game. With mentoring sessions and opportunities to learn from the best in the industry, it's a fantastic community to be a part of. So, without further ado, let's dive into this experiment.

Using ChatGPT for Crafting Website Templates

As a fan of automation, I wanted to give ChatGPT a shot to craft a small section of a website. I chose the footer section as it's a fairly standard element in many websites. The requirements for this footer included a logo, menu, copyright, and a few social media links. While ChatGPT is an impressive tool, it doesn't necessarily take the design aspect into consideration.

Sure, it might be able to call on resources like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS, but in terms of aesthetics and user experience, it falls short. You'll likely end up with raw code that completes the task but doesn't provide any nuance in terms of visual appeal.

Testing the Code from ChatGPT

To begin the experiment, I started by copying the generated code from ChatGPT and pasting it in a new file called `index.html` inVisual Studio Code (VSCode). Then, I used the 'Go Live' feature to see what the design looked like in a browser.

At first glance, I noticed that the output was pretty basic with no styling or design elements. While the code ticked off the requirements list, the visual design, UI and UX were missing.

Comparing with Pre-defined Footers in Editor X

Next, I decided to compare the outcome of ChatGPT's code with some pre-defined footers created in Editor X, a popular website design tool. These footers had various layouts, styling, animations, and interactive elements. A notable difference was evident between the ChatGPT-generated footer and the footers in Editor X.

Editor X's footers, being handcrafted by professional designers or created using templates, showcased better visual design, user experience, and responsive layouts. It was clear that, for a high-quality design, focusing on UI and UX is crucial. Users might not notice the backend code, but they will interact with the aesthetics and functionality of a web page.

Conclusion: ChatGPT's Limitations in Web Design

While ChatGPT is an incredible AI tool that can generate code based on given requirements, it lacks the ability to deliver a visually appealing design that provides a good user experience. If you're looking for a functional but not-so-pretty design and don't mind the lack of customization options, ChatGPT might be a suitable choice.

However, for a more professional outcome with better overall design and user interaction, manual work or a dedicated website design tool, like Editor X, is the way to go.

So, fellow no-code enthusiasts, it's time to fire up our creative engines and continue to hone our design skills. Don’t forget to check out the exciting challenges and resources at livelearning.editorx.io, and keep leveling up your design chops!