Summary
AI has its place in design, from quick image edits to sparking research ideas - but it’s not yet ready to replace the creativity, strategy, and human sense-check that great branding and websites require. Here’s where AI can help, and where it still falls short.
From our perspective, AI for design is ‘not quite there yet’. Our human designer at Website Success still provides better value than AI for logo and branding development – and a more sophisticated approach to website design.
Here’s why...
AI for Logo/Branding Development
When we develop a refreshed or new logo and branding for our clients, we apply deeper thought; wider and more considered competitor analysis, plus we apply the human common-sense check still lacking in AI when it comes to applying client branding across a website.
What we’ve found with logo creation and branding development is that the AI platforms will generally create a tepid logo based on what is out there already – and what they can access online by their nature. For this reason, we very occasionally use AI to start our research process; what do other contenders in your market look like and claim to offer.
Conversely, we take the human approach to creating your logo and identity which is to design something driven by what you want to do differently. We look at your competitors, audience and marketplace to find stand-out opportunities for your look and feel.
AI for Images
Our designers use AI platforms effectively when adapting photos as it has proven itself to be quicker than Photoshop – as long as we “human sense-check” the changes! We use AI to change the background of an image, add clouds to a sky, remove unwanted items, or even add an octopus to a bath!
We also find AI is pretty good when expanding an image or extending the edges to fit a space as it can effectively copy or “fill a gap” using what you have already uploaded. However, that human sense check must prevail, as consistency in AI results is most definitely not consistent! You have been warned!
AI-Generated Photos? Don’t do it!
Where we absolutely do not endorse AI for design is for the creation of photos/ images. We are asked fairly regularly if we can use AI-generated photos for the websites we design and build. We say no.
AI is fine for illustrations but most of our design and website work uses photography and AI generated photos are just not good enough - at the moment.
Although we advise clients not to use ‘stock’ imagery for their websites, if they don’t have a smart suite of their own photos, alternatives are slim. But we maintain that AI just isn’t ‘there yet’ when it comes to realistic images – especially when you try to generate ‘photos’ of people!
AI Conclusion!
So, we say: AI is a useful tool for design — but only in the right places. It can speed up simple edits, spark initial ideas, or handle repetitive tasks. But when it comes to branding, photography and creating a website design that truly reflects your business, for us, the human touch still wins every time.
For now, AI is best seen as a helpful assistant — not a replacement for skilled, thoughtful design expertise.
Website and Graphic Design Services in Chichester
At our Chichester web design agency, we combine thoughtful strategy, original design, and hands-on expertise to create websites that truly reflect your business — not just what an AI spits out.
Whether you need to update your current site, or want a whole new rebrand, we’ll guide you through the process with clear advice and a personal touch.
Call us today on 01243 888555 or click here to book a chat in our diary.
