Why Websites Designed by People for People Still Matter
Opinion piece by Michael Rodak, Head of Design at CODESM
AI can do a lot. Used well, it can support the creative process in powerful ways.
But when it comes to building websites that connect with real people, AI should be part of the toolkit, not the one calling the shots.
“A website is often the first meaningful interaction between a business and its customers. That kind of experience calls for human insight, strategy, and creativity. These are things AI alone cannot deliver.”
— Michael Rodak, Head of Design at CODESM
Human-Crafted Websites Begin with Understanding
At CODESM, we never start with templates. We start with meaningful questions:
- Who is your audience?
- What makes your brand stand out?
- How should your website support your business goals?
These questions guide the strategy behind every project. We approach website design with the same mindset we bring to Marketing as a Service (MaaS), blending creative collaboration with a clear business strategy.
AI as a Helpful Tool, Not the Lead Creator
AI can help with research, brainstorming, and initial drafts. It can generate ideas and streamline parts of the creative process.
However, AI does not understand your brand story, your customer’s emotional drivers, or your long-term goals. That is why we use AI as a support tool, especially in content development and SEO strategy, but never as a substitute for human expertise.
Beyond the Hype: Where AI in Web Design Falls Short
There’s no shortage of hype around AI in design. But when you cut through the buzzwords, the reality is simpler: AI is fast, but it isn’t thoughtful. It produces output, not insight. And when the goal is to create a website that truly represents your brand and converts visitors into customers, that distinction matters.
Strategy vs. “Nice-Looking” Templates
A website is a business tool, not just a digital brochure. AI can churn out layouts that look nice, but without strategy, messaging, and alignment to business goals, they rarely move the needle.
👉 At CODESM, every project starts with the bigger picture: audience, goals, and brand differentiation.
Brand Identity Matters
AI may follow trends, but it rarely captures the nuance of a brand. The result? Generic websites that all feel the same.
👉 Our team builds in the details, from typography and imagery to tone of voice, so your site reflects your identity instead of blending into the noise.
Humans Understand Humans
AI can’t empathize. It doesn’t know why a visitor hesitates at checkout or what nudges them toward a call-to-action.
👉 Human designers and UX experts design with psychology in mind, creating experiences that are intuitive, persuasive, and conversion-focused.
Performance Behind the Scenes
Even if an AI site looks decent upfront, the backend often tells a different story: bloated code, slow load times, and weak SEO.
👉 We code for performance, scalability, and search visibility from day one.
Cheap Can Get Expensive Fast
Yes, AI sites are cheaper upfront. But if they don’t convert, scale, or align with your brand, the hidden cost is lost opportunities.
👉 A professional site is an investment designed to generate value long after launch.
As Rodak explains:
“AI promises speed and affordability, but the real cost often shows up later in sites that fail to convert, don’t scale, and leave businesses frustrated.”
The bottom line: The criticisms of AI aren’t reasons to dismiss the technology entirely. They’re reminders that AI has limits and why the human-led design process remains essential. Used wisely, AI supports the work. But the real magic happens when strategy, creativity, and collaboration lead the way.
Comparing AI-Generated Websites and Human-Designed Websites
| AI Website Builders | Human-Crafted Websites |
|---|---|
| Templates based on trends | Custom designs aligned with strategy |
| Generic content and stock visuals | Tailored copy and visuals for your audience |
| Bloated or inefficient code | Clean, fast, SEO-friendly code |
| Fixed, inflexible layouts | Flexible designs that evolve with your needs |
| No collaboration or feedback loop | Creative collaboration with clients |
Great Websites Are Built Through Collaboration
Effective websites come from teamwork. Not from isolated tools.
- Designers create a cohesive visual experience
- Copywriters shape the voice and messaging
- Developers ensure functionality and performance
- Clients share insights and ideas that drive the project forward
AI can assist in some areas, but it cannot replace the creative energy, feedback, and problem-solving that happen when real people work together.
What You Don’t See Still Counts
Performance, usability, and scalability often happen behind the scenes. AI-generated sites frequently miss critical factors like:
- Fast page load times
- Strong SEO foundations
- Seamless mobile experience
We build with performance in mind from day one. Every site we design is meant to deliver value both upfront and over time.
The True Value of a Professional Website
AI tools may offer a cheaper solution upfront, but a website that does not convert visitors or support your business growth ends up costing more in the long run.
A professionally built website can:
- Build credibility and trust with your audience
- Drive measurable business outcomes
- Provide long-term return on investment
Like all marketing, it is about investing in value, not just the lowest price.
AI Belongs in the Process, Not in Charge of It
At CODESM, we use AI thoughtfully. It helps us generate ideas, support research, and work more efficiently.
But the heart of what we do, strategy, creativity, and collaboration, will always come from people. That is the difference between a website that simply exists and one that truly works for your business.
Final Thought
If you want a website that reflects your brand, connects with your audience, and drives results, you need a team that listens, collaborates, and creates with purpose.
AI can support the process, but meaningful design and strategy always come from people.
