The question of whether AI can outdesign human web designers is becoming increasingly relevant. To explore this, we conducted a test: four popular AI web design tools were given the same brief to create a homepage for an AI SaaS called Neuro Nests, a project management system designed to feel modern, intelligent, and approachable.
Each AI generated a homepage without any manual adjustments. An experienced brand designer, unaware of which design came from which source, evaluated the results based on design, user experience, originality, and overall look and feel. For comparison, a human-created homepage was also included.
The contenders and what they delivered
Figma Make — Followed the brief closely. Clean, corporate, almost sterile. Good structure but low personality. Total score: 18.5.
Lovable — Similar to Figma: clean and template-like. Solid UX but not very original. Total score: 16.5.
Hostinger — The most surprising of the AI tools. More personality, interesting micro interactions, and stronger impact in the hero. Some layout issues, but noticeably more original. Total score: 25.5.
Webflow AI — Took a different approach with varied layouts, animations, and extra sections. Felt more polished in motion, though still somewhat template-driven. Total score: 24.
The Human Approach
The human-designed homepage started with research, mood boarding, typography experiments, and color testing. The focus was on storytelling, creating a distinctive, immersive experience rather than simply arranging content blocks.
Design iterations emphasized micro-interactions to guide users through the product and convey its value. The result was a homepage that felt personal, clear, and memorable, with a strong brand narrative.
Total score: 31.5.
Final Scores
| Design | Score |
|---|---|
| Figma Make | 18.5 |
| Lovable | 16.5 |
| Hostinger | 25.5 |
| Webflow AI | 24.0 |
| Human Design | 31.5 |
The human design outperformed all AI entries across design, UX, and originality, with Hostinger leading the AI results but still trailing by a significant margin.
Key Insights
- AI excels at layout and component assembly: quick, functional, and visually consistent results.
- Originality and storytelling remain human strengths: nuanced sequences, emotional narrative, and brand personality are hard for AI to replicate.
- AI is practical for simple projects: for small businesses or straightforward sites, AI can be cost-effective and fast.
- The designer’s role is evolving: from pixel pusher to strategic partner, focusing on product positioning, experience design, and narrative.
- Skill growth is critical: designers who leverage AI for efficiency while focusing on high-level strategy, storytelling, and craft will remain indispensable.
How Designers Can Maintain an Edge
- Start with research and mood boarding: Intentional design choices outperform default templates.
- Master storytelling in UX: Guide users through emotions and decisions, not just features.
- Specialize where AI struggles: brand strategy, messaging, and interactive experiences.
- Use AI for efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, freeing time for creative, high-leverage work.
- Cultivate a unique visual voice: Originality builds recognizable styles that clients value.
FAQs
Which AI tool scored highest?
Hostinger led the AI entries with 25.5 points, offering personality and interactions beyond the other tools.
Did AI outperform the human designer?
No. The human homepage scored 31.5, outperforming all AI designs in design, UX, and originality.
What are AI’s strengths?
Rapid layout generation, consistent hierarchy, spacing, and producing usable pages without manual effort.
Common AI weaknesses
Template-like repetition, limited emotional storytelling, and occasional clarity issues that reduce brand voice and originality.
How should designers adapt?
Focus on strategic, narrative-driven work that AI struggles with. Use AI for efficiency but dedicate time to high-level design thinking and brand storytelling.
